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POLLY ANNA 

THE GLAD GIRL 

A FOUR ACT COMEDY 

BY 

CATHERINE CHISHOLM GUSHING 

FOUNDED UPON -_ 

''POLLY ANNA": the glad book 

(Trade Mark) (Trade Mark) 

Copyright, 1912, 1913, by The Christian Herald 
Copyright, 1913, by The Page Company 

BY 

ELEANOR H. PORTER 

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH 

THE PAGE COMPANY 



NEW YORK 

KLAW k ERLANGER 

1915 



m 



POLLYANNA 

THE GLAD GIRL 

A FOUR ACT COMEDY^^^ 

BY 

CATHERINE CHISHOLM GUSHING 



FOUNDED UPON 

POLLYANNA": the glad book ' 

(Trade Mark) (Trade Mark) 

Copyright, 1912, 1913, by The Christian Herald 
Copyright, 1913, by The Page Company 

■ BY 

ELEANOR H. PORTER ' 

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH 

THE PAGE COMPANY 



NEW YORK 

KLAW & ERLANGER 

1915 






Copyright, 1915, 



By Marc Klaw and Abraham L. Erl anger '■■' 



Entered at Stationers'' HalL London 



All rights reserved 



D 415 



^qC 



THE COLONIAL PRESS 
C. H. SIMONDS CO., BOSTON, U. S. A, 



AUG 27 1915 



CAST 

PoLLYANNA the '' Glad Girl " 

Miss Polly Harrington Her aunt 

John Pendleton, Esq. .A bachelor, called " the hermit" 

Dr. Chilton Pendleton's friend 

Jimmy Bean • • • • An orphan 

'Nancy Miss Polly's servant 

Bleecker Pendleton's man 

Miss Carroll of the '' Ladies' Aid " 

Mrs. Carmody of the '' Ladies' Aid " 

Mrs. Gregg. of the '' Ladies' Aid " 

Nurse 

The Kitten who lives to be a cat 

The Puppy zifho lives to be a 



SYNOPSIS OF SCENES 

ACT I 

Miss Polly Harrington's Parlor 
A Slimmer afternoon 

ACT II 

John Pendleton's Library 
Some weeks later 

ACT III 

The Same 
An hour later 

ACT IV 

The Same 
Five years later 

Place — A Nezv England village 
Time — The present 



POLLYANNA 

ACT I 

PLACE. TIME. SCENE 

Miss Polly Harrington's parlor. A summer after- 
noon. An attractive room so far as its good taste and 
its cleanliness and order are concerned, hut typical of 
its haughty, cold mistress. Miss Polly, who has not 
changed even the arrangement of a chair in the past 
tzventy years. Practical door, U. C, leads into hall- 
ivay shozving a wide staircase. Practical double-doors, 
U. R., leads into dining-room. Large windows, R. 
and L. On the walls hangs tvuo or three good steel 
engravings and framed photographs of '' departed " 
members of the family. The furniture is old mahogany 
of Colonial design, the chairs upholstered in horse- 
hair. Lace curtains and draperies are at the zmndozvs. 
Standing, L. is a large table on top of zvhich are small 
stacks of children s clothing, also a large doll-baby. 
On either side of the table are large easy chairs, (j. 
C. R., betzueen doors stands a cabinet containing a 
collection of more or less valuable knick-knacks. R. C. 
stands a barrel zvhich the ladies are filling zvith cloth- 
ing for a distant " Mission." The walls are papered 
in neat Colonial design, and the iioor is covered zvith 
Bmssels carpet with deep pile. The wood-work is 
white, and the room is immaculate. 

DISCOVERED 

At rise of curtain Miss Polly is discovered, alone, at 
table, L. C, tying up the several parcels of clothing — 
the little shirts in one bundle, the pinafores in another, 
etc. Suddenly, oif R., Nancy is heard to laugh loudly. 

5 



6 POLLYANNA 

Miss Polly glances up, frozuns, then, having finished 
tying the parcels, goes U . C. and jerks hell-cord. A 
second after enter Nancy, U . R., suddenly throwing 
open the double doors simultaneouslyi,zan^^ appearing 
on the scene like a Jack-in-the-box, and grinning from 
ear to ear. "'^ *.C O]. 

Nancy '■'• '•"■ ■■'■ 

{High and loud.) Here Oi am, Miss Polly! 

Miss Polly 
{Giving her hopeless glance, and placing Unger on 
lips.) Sh! 

Nancy 
{Angry with herself for " forgetting " again, drazi/s 
doors together, behind her softly, then " apologizes — " 
in her way.) God ! Why can't Oi keep my voice down? 
{Picks u\p thread.) 

Miss Polly 
{Annoyed at the expletive.) Such language! How 
often must I tell you, Nancy, not to use the name of the 
Deity in that thoughtless way? 

Nancy 
{With frozrni and gesture of disgiist at herself for 
forgetting.) Oi forgot. Miss Polly — indade Oi did, Oi 
did ! Honest to G — . {Abot4t to repeat offence. Raises 
hand to swear.) 

Miss Polly 
Nancy ! 

Nancy 
Och ! You threw me the loife-line just in time, Miss 
Polly. Ain't it terrible how Oi forget? 

{Picks up thread and moves toward Miss Polly a step 
or two.) 

Miss Polly 
{Wishing to dismiss further discussion.) Well — see 

that you do not forget again, please. Er . {Nods 

head, U. R. in direction of dining-room.) You've served 
the ladies their refreshments? Do they eat? 



POLLYANNA 7 

Nancy 
{Explosively.) Do — they — eat? God! {Throws up 
hands expressively.) 

Miss Polly 
{Annoyed, whirling about.) Nancy! 

•' Nancy 

{Expressively.) Och — faith an' OiVe got to say it, 
Miss Polly, or bust ! 

Miss Polly 

No, Nancy, you have '' not got " to say it, neither will 
that physical dismemberment of which you speak mate- 
rialize ! (Nancy listens to these impressive words.) It's 
only a pernicious habit. Master it ! That's what / should 
do — it's very easy ! 

Nancy 

Oh — shure it's aisy for you, Miss Polly, but look at the 
wurruds you've got in your head to use instead! But 
Oi've only got a few, Oi have, an' whin yez take away 
me ould stand-by, Oi hain't much to fall back on, Oi 
hain't ! 

{Picks up threads. Moves another step or tzvo further 
L.) 

Miss Polly 
Oh, I think you'll get along. Just try — that's all. Try ! 

Nancy 
{Resignedly.) All right — Oi'll thry! An' whin Oi be 
afther falin' loike usin' the wurrud, Oi'll clap me hands 
loike this — {Claps hands together once) an' mebbe that 
moight help some, it moight! 

Miss Polly 
Very well, Nancy, anything is better than profanity! 
Er — you say the ladies are enjoying their tea? 

Nancy 
InjOyin' it, is it? {Claps hands once.) If iver Oi 
in joy heaven the way they're enjoyin' their tay, it's all 



8 POLLYANNA 

Oi'll iver ask in this wurruld! (Again claps hands once, 
gazing upward.) 

Miss Polly 

{Frozvning at this ''clapping!') Is that raucous noise 
necessary, Nancy? 

Nancy 

It is, ma'am ! So don't shtop it ! For you've got me 
tongue-tied, you have ; an' if you be af ther shtrappin' me 
hands, you'll have me hand-cuffed, then who's to do 
your wurruk, Miss Polly? Oi can't, for Oi'll be the 
same as deaf-an'-dumb an' paralyzed ! {Picks up more 
threads.) 

Miss Polly 

{Putting up detaining hand.) Don't argue — obey! I 
will not permit profanity and I cannot endure that ap- 
plause you seem to be meting out to yourself, so enough! 

Nancy 
{Resignedly.) All right, Miss Polly ! But blood be on 
your ozvn head if Oi go off in me wurruk. 

Miss Polly 
I am quite willing to shoulder the responsibility. Now 
as soon as the ladies have finished in the dining-room, I 
want you to drive the buggy down to the station at five 
o'clock to meet my niece. 

Nancy 
{Explosively.) Your niece? {Comes closer.) Why 
— Miss Polly ! Oi didn't know you had a niece 1 

Miss Polly 
No? Well — there are a great many things you do not 
know, Nancy — {Sarcastically, hut not hateful manner) 
strange as it may seem ! 

Nancy 
{Not getting the sarcasm.) Shure, it's awful 
shtrange! {Clucks tongue in astonishment.) 

Miss Polly 
You may air the hall bedroom — 



POLLYANNA 9 

Nancy 
{Explosively.) Hall bedroom? Why, Miss Polly, 
with all them four grand bedrooms with foine carpets 
an' lace curtains impty, why do yez put the lady in the 
hall-room with only muslin curtains an' mats on the 
floor? 

Miss Polly 
{Testily.) Because that is my affair, Nancy, and not 
yours — and, besides, my niece is not a lady, but a small 
rhild! Now! 

Nancy 
{Aghast.) A small child? {Peers into Miss 
Polly's immobile face.) Comin' to live wid youf 

Miss Polly 

Yes 

Nancy 
{Piously, crossing self, and glancing upwards. Cres- 
cendo.) May the saints an' the Virgin Mary an' the 
twelve apostles, to say nothin' of Matthew, Mark, Luke, 
an' John watch over an' protect her — is me prayer, so — 
help — me — {Claps hands to avoid saying the offensive 
word.) 

Miss Polly 
What are you doing, Nancy? Praying or swearing? 

Nancy 
Prayin' ma'am ! Prayin' loike the divil — {Mumbles 
to herself) for— " a — small — child!" {Continues mum- 
bling — eyes lifted.) 

Miss Polly 
{Looking up fromi note-book in which she is noting 
the numbers of articles on table.) Don't talk to your- 
self, Nancy. . It's a sign of a weak mind ! 

Nancy 
Shure an' Oi don't need no signs to prove that, Oi 
don't. D'ye think Oi'd be afther wurrukin' in a kitchen 
for three dollars a week if Oi's full-witted? So talkin' 
to mesilf goes wid me job, it does, it does ! {Picks up 
threads from floor.) 



10 POLLYANNA 

Miss Polly 
Oh, well, that's neither here nor there ! Your mental 
calibre is of no great moment, so we'll carry the dis- 
cussion no further. What I wish you to do and what I 
rang for^is this! I want you, not William, to meet my 
orphan niece! 

Nancy 
Orphant? Why, Miss Polly! Oi didn't know she 
was an orphant, Oi didn't. 

Miss Polly 
No. As I said before there are several things you 
don't know, Nancy — strange as it may seem ! 

Nancy 
Ain't it, tho'? 

Miss Polly 
But I want you to meet her at the station — neverthe- 
less 1 

Nancy 
Och, but how will Oi know she's her, or her knows Oi's 
me, at all, at all? It's no fault of moine if Oi brings 
yez home the wrong orphant, it ain't, it ain't ! 

Miss Polly 
{Taking letter from her pocket.) There is not likely 
to be any large number of small girls get 0)ff the five 
o'clock train, but in case there should be more than one, 
I think the child's description of her costume will iden- 
tify her without putting any great strain on your men- 
tality ! {Opens letter — turns page.) 

Nancy 
Och ! Oi didn't know yez got a letter, Oi didn't ! Oi 
didn't! {Impolitely peeks over at letter in Miss Polly's 
hand.) 

Miss Polly 
{Reading, half to herself till she finds what she wants.) 
Urn—'' I shall be all alone. . . ." 



POLLYANNA ii 

Nancy 
(Peering hard.) Och — but ain't she the grand writer, 
tho', the Httle dear ? 

Miss Polly 
How dare you read over — my shoulder? Yes — here 
it is! (Reads from letter.) "I will wear red-checked 
ging-ham dress, straw hat, light hair, and freckles ! " 
(Then replacing letter in envelope.) Now do you think 
you can identify her in the throng? 

Nancy 
(Mumbling over her words.) *' Red-check — ^light 
hair — freckles ! " Sure Oi can idemnify her ! A straw- 
berry mark would have been aiserer, but don't worry! 
Oi'U bring ye the right orphant. Miss Polly. (Then 
to herself as she starts, U. R. ) Red-check — freckles — 

Miss Polly 
And Nancy? 

Nancy 
(Stopping and glancing around.) Yes, Miss Polly? 

Miss Polly 
Please — do not refer to my niece as an " Orphant " ! 
It — it sounds terrible! 

Nancy 
Faith an' it's no disgrace to be an orphant, Miss 
Polly. It's only pitiful, it is ! Poor, wee — motherless, 
fatherless — 

Miss Polly 
(Testily.) Enough! You are not to argue but obey! 
Now go back to the dining-room, then get dressed for 
the train ! 

Nancy 
Shure, Miss Polly! (Goes tozvard doors, U. R.) 

Miss Polly 
(Sharply.) And Nancy? 

Nancy 
(Turning quickly.) Shure, Miss Polly? 



12 POLLYANNA 

Miss Polly 
Kindly reply, ''Yes, Miss Polly.— No, Miss Polly," 
when I address you. Not " sure, Miss Polly ! " 

Nancy 
(Pleasantly.) Shure, Miss Polly! (Miss Polly 
throws up hopeless hands. Then, continuing to doors, 
U. R., rehearses her lines.) Red check — light hair — 
freckles ! 

Miss Polly 
{Hopelessly.) Oh, such a girl! 

(Nancy throws doors open wide and the three 
"Ladies' Aiders'" are seen entering, chatting.) 

Nancy 
Well! (Stands aside to permit ladies to pass.) 

(Enter Ladies) 

Miss Polly 
I hope you don't mind my not joining you, ladies, but 
it was either deny myself the pleasure or fail to have the 
barrel packed before the expressman called for it. 

Miss Carroll 
Oh, we understood! 

Mrs. Carmody " 
It's us that ought to apologize, not you! Out there 
eatin' up your tea an' cake an' leavin' you to tie up an' 
label all these second-hands. 

Mrs. Gregg 
Yes, and everything was delicious 



Miss Polly 
I'm glad you enjoyed it! 

Nancy 
(Ex\plosively — holding on to door knobs, peeping he- 



POLLYANNA 13 

tzveen doors, preparatory to exit.) In joyed it? Ha! 
(Exits sunftly. Bangs door behind her.) 

(Ladies turn swiftly and stare at girl.) 

Miss Polly 
(Regretting the girl's rudeness.) Please pay no atten- 
tion to Nancy ! 

Mrs. Carmody 
(Sharply.) Pay attention to an Irish Moran? Well, 
I — should — say — not ! I wouldn't have one of the fam- 
ily in the house if the dirt piled sky-high ! 

Mrs. Carmody comes somewhat, D. C, Mrs. Gregg 
stops at L. side of barrel. Miss Carroll comes to 
R. side of barrel.) 

Well — (Points to the neat piles of the tied and 
labelled parcels on table, L.) You have been workin' — 
haven't you, Miss Polly? 

Miss Polly 
Yes — nothing remains now but to place the articles in 
the barrel. They are all marked — (Reads from her little 
note-book and indicating separate piles.) Six little un- 
dershirts — Seven pairs of shoes — Four night garments — 
Twenty pairs of stockings — Ten pinafores — Two woolen 
dresses — Four suits of clothes — Six pairs of rubbers — 
One sunbonnet — One knitted hood — and one baby-doll! 

Mrs. Gregg 
(Pleasantly.) And the greatest of these is the baby- 
doll ! (Lifts doll and smiles at it.) 

Miss Polly 
Greatest ? 

Miss Carroll 
Whatever do you mean? 

Mrs. Carmody 
Yes — what do you mean? 



14 POLLYANNA 

Mrs. Gregg 
Just what I say — that one baby-doll will bring more 
real warmth into a human soul and more joy into a 
human heart than all the boots and caps and undershirts 
from here to Guinea ! 

Mrs. Carmody 
Why, Mrs. Gregg — that's almost heresy or blasphemy 
or something ! 

Miss Carroll 
{Clucks tongue.) 

Mrs. Gregg 
Well, it's the tnith, anyway ! 

Miss Polly 
{Loftily.) Perhaps — the West differs from the East, 
you know, Mrs. Carmody — and Mrs. Gregg should know 
her West. We New Englanders don't realize it's primi- 
tiveness, I'm afraid. I have heard pleasures came first 
there, while the stockings went un-darned ! 

Mrs. Gregg 

{Defiantly but not testily.) Oh, no, they don't! 

They're just as well darned there as you are, here — a 
little darneder, if anything! 

Mrs. Carmody 

Oh — Mrs. Gregg! 

Mrs. Gregg 

{Taking the doll in her arms.) However — we're not 
discussing the West-in-general as I understand it, but 
Missions! And I know whereof I speak when I place 
a brown-eyed, brown-haired baby-doll — {Smiles into the 
face of doll) before warm clothing, for it's not only little 
stomachs that go hungry out there, but little hearts — 
Oh, if you only knew the joyless, toyless childhood of 
those little ones you would understand ! I spent a day 
at a mis^sion once — Ozark Mission ! And tho' it was 
years ago, yet the misery and poverty of that poor min- 
ister's family — their loneliness — and utter isolation from 
friends — have stayed with me as plain as if it were yes- 



POLLYANNA 15 

terday ! I was told that their little girl had been praying 
for five years for a baby-doll to come in a barrel, but up 
to that time it had not arrived. Who knows — (Ad- 
dresses baby-doll) maybe you're the answer to some little 
one's prayer, little Goldilocks — I hope so! (Holds doll 
to her heart.) 

Miss Polly 
Oh! 

(Ladies are startled.) 

Mrs. Carmody 
Why, Miss Polly! 

Miss Carroll 
What is it? 

Miss Polly 
My Locket ! (Holds out her black chain from zvhich 
the locket has disappeared.) Don't step — please! It's 
so fragile yo!ur foot would crush it ! (Searches for 
trinket at her feet — ladies, too, look about zvithout mov- 
ing from zuhere they stand!) 

Mrs. Carmody 
What was it like? 

Miss Polly 
Black jet! My mother's! An heirloom — my dearest 
treasure ! 

Miss Carroll 
But you haven't had it on all afternoon. I wondered 
why you had left it ofiP your chain when I came in. 

Miss Polly 
(Nervously.) You're sure?- 

Miss Carroll 
Quite. 

Miss Polly 
Then I must have dropped it upstairs. You will ex- 
cuse me? (Starts towards doors, U. C.) 



i6 POLLYANNA 

Miss Carroll 
Certainly ! 

Mrs. Carmody 
Go right ahead ! 

Mrs. Gregg 
To be sure! 

Miss Polly 
Thank you. Oh, dear — I — I'm so afraid. 

(Exit Miss Polly, U. C, leaving door open. She is 
seen to go upstairs through open door.) 

(Mrs. Gregg is about to speak but Mrs. Carmody and 
Miss Carroll both hold up warning -fingers for 
silence as Miss Carroll softly pushes door, U. C. 
closed. ) 

Mrs. Gregg 
Goodness me ! What a lot of mystery about an old 
jet locket! 

Mrs. Carmody 
Sh ! It's not the locket that startled her — I doubt if 
she did drop it. It's what you said, about the poverty 
and suffering and sacrifice of missionaries that upset 
her! 

Mrs. Gregg 
But it's true ! 

Miss Carroll 
Certainly, it's true — that's what hurt! For her sister 
married a missionary and died, folks say, from lack of 
nourishment, heart as well as stomach, out there in that 
very Ozark Mission you visited! 

Mrs. Gregg 
(Astounded.) No! 

Mrs. Carmody 
Yes — (Points to door, U. C. and Miss Carroll peeps 
through crack to make sure Miss Polly is not within 
earshot. She shakes head that no one can hear.) 



POLLYANNA 17 

Mrs. Carmody 

{" Ahems" for fear Nancy will catch Miss Carroll 
peeping and will report.) 

{Enter Nancy, U. R., just as Miss Carroll draws 
away from door, U. C. Nancy now wears a " Sun- 
day " jacket, ill-fitting gloves, and strange-looking 
hat, dressed for the train.) 

Nancy 
(Hooking up huge, old-fashioned kid gloves that " lace 
up:') Where's Miss Polly? 

Miss Carroll 
Up-stairs, looking for her locket! 

Nancy 
Her locket? Not the black one on a link chain? 

Ladies 
Yes ! . 

Nancy 
{Piously — excitedly.) Oh, St. Peter and St. Patrick 
an' all the angels an' arc/4-angels get down on all fours 
this minnit and find it for the poor lady! {Peers about 
under chair, C.) Why, it's a part of her — that locket. 
She shleeps with it under her pillow, she does ; and when 
she doicsn't know Oi'm peekin' thro' the keyhold, Oi see 
her lookin' insoide of it — at a face ! 

Ladies 

{Startled.) At a face? 

Nancy 
Shure it's a face. What else would be insoide a locket, 
will yez tell me? A wooden leg? An' she shmiles at 
it, she does, an' sometimes she wapes, an' when she shuts 
it to — {Pantomimes closing locket.) . She soighs — a — 
soigh! {Pantomimes the deep sigh.) Oh! May the 
saints in heaven f oind the locket is me prayer ! ( Gases 
heavenward and crosses herself.) 

{Immediately Ladies start animated search.) 



i8 POLLYANNA 

Mrs. Carmody 
Oh, she'll find it ! 

Miss Carroll 
Certainly, she'll find it! 

Mrs. Gregg 
Of course she'll find it ! 

Nancy 
(Tugging at her gloves awkwardly.) Shure she'll 
foind it — if somebody doesn't bate her to it! (Nancy 
lifts up a garment from bottom of barrel.) What's this 
now? Och, faith, if it isn't Miss. Flack's ould basque! 
Pity the poor haythen — (heathen) ! It's hard enough to 
have to lose your soul, let alone havin' to wear the loikes 
o' that! 

Miss Carroll 
Why, Nancy! 

Nancy 
Oi don't know which is the worst — But if it was me 
Oi think Oi'd rather lose me soul — Oi would, Oi would ! 

All 

Oh ! Gracious ! Nancy ! 

Nancy 
It's true ! Cats an' dogs, such taste ! Who but a 
Flack 'd put fringe on the tail o' that — an' who but a 
Flacked have such a tail! (Drops article into barrel as 
if it were a snake.) Heaven knows — Oi have little 
enough to be thankful for but ''taste" is something! 
The " sixth sense," me mither used to call it, an' blamed 
if Oi don't believe she was roight, she was, she was ! 
(Train-whistle heard in distance.) Me train! (Rushes 
to door, U. C.) Tell Miss Polly I've gone over to the 
station to meet her niece, will yez? An' if Oi bring 
hom^e the wrong orphant she mulS(tn't blame me! 

All 

All right! We'll tell her ! Niece? 



POLLYANNA 19 

Nancy 
{Then, rehearsing lines.) Red-check! Freckles! 
Red-check ! Freckles ! 

(Exit U. C.) 

Mrs. Carmody 
Gone to meet Miss Polly's niece ? 

Miss Carroll 
Yes. What niece? 

Mrs. Carmody 
Why — there's only one. You know that as well as I! 
(Then to Mrs. Gregg.) It's the child of the missionaries 
you were speaking of — Pollyanna! as sure as I live. 

Mrs. Gregg 
No! 

Mrs. Carmody 
Yes ! Poor Miss Polly 1 My heart aches for her ! 
With all her pride and blue blood, her life's been an 
empty one! 

Miss Carroll 
(Beginning to place articles in barrel.) I dare say- 
she's remorseful now that she sided with her old father 
in not allowing her missionary sister to come home after 
she was banished ! 

Mrs. Gregg 
Why — you're getting me all excited! Come! Tell 
me! What happened? How came it that Miss Polly 
had a sister a missionary? And why was she banished 
fro/m home? (Beckons to the two other ladies.) 

Mrs. Carmody 
It's a long story and it began twenty years ago ! There 
were three sisters then — eighteen, nineteen, and twenty — 

Miss Carroll 
(Pantomimes the steips.) Just like that — steps! 
Jennie, Polly and Anna ! "Faith, Hope and Charity/' 
John Pendleton called them ! 



20 POLLYANNA 

Mrs. Gregg 
John Pendleton? Not the hermit? I thought he was 
a wonian-hater ! 

{Points, R. as if in direction of Pendleton's home, next 
door.) 

Miss Carroll 
The same — only he wasn't a hermit then! 

Mrs. Carmody 
Nor a woman-hater! He was madly in love with 
Charity just as his friend, Dr. Chilton, was in losve with 
Miss Polly, here, the middle sister. It was this very 
love-affair that made a hermit of Pendleton, and changed 
him, overnight they say, from a gay, hot-blooded youth 
into a sullen, cantankerous old man ! : 

Mrs. Gregg 
Goodness me, but Pm glad I came today! Here — 
let's dump these things in the barrel, then sit down and 
TALK ! {Rushes to table and seizes parcel and tosses it 
to Mrs. Carmody.) Here — Now the pinafores — {Tosses 
another parcel to Miss Carroll.) The stockings, Mrs. 
Carmody — now wait — now wait — {Tosses her another 
parcel which she places in barrel.) The shoes for you. 
Miss Carroll — dear me ! Pm that worked up ! ( Tosses 
her shoes which she places in barrel.) Undershirts — 
somehody — nighties, anyhody — {Toisses same to Mrs. 
Carmody who places them in barrel.) The dresses — the 
rubbers — and the bonnet — {Tosses all parcels swiftly to 
ladies who place them in the barrel.) 

{This scene \played fast — ladies '' catching" each 
bundle as it is tossed.) 

Good! Now for a chat! Sit there — Miss Carroll — you 
there, Mrs. Carmody — Dolly will sit here — {Places doll 
on chair, C.) 

{All sit cosily, D. R.) 



POLLYANNA 21 

And I, here! There! Now, on with the tale, my dear, 
and don't you leave out one if, or one but ! Who zvould 
have dreamed that this New England village would ever 
have harbored a romance ? Now ! Go ! 

Mrs. Carmody 
{Pleased that she is so entertainmg.) What? You've 
lived in the town six weeks and never heard the tale? 

Mrs. Gregg 
Not a word, syllable or letter! Begin! 

Mrs. Carmody 
You tell it, Minnie 

Miss Carroll 
No, you, Ruth 

Mrs. Carmody 
No — you're better at story-tellin' than me. 

Miss Carroll 
No, you're longer-winded. 

Mrs. Gregg 

{Having rapidly turned her head, from one to the other 
during the argument.) Oh, for the love of heaven, you 
two stop zig-zaggin' and spin ! I can't stand the suspense. 
I'll explode. You first, Mrs. Carmody — age before 
beauty, you know, and Miss Carroll here will take it up 
from time to time when you give out. Ready! Go! 
{Back to.) 

Mrs. Carmody 
Well — twenty years ago it all happened. Rich old 
Pendleton, Sr.,^ came home from Europe with his son, 
and opened the big house opposite {Points R.) much to 
Miss Polly's father's disgust, for the good churchman 
had no love for the worldly neighbor who gambled and 
drove fast horses and served wine at his table; and had 
a dozen servants at his beck and call ! But when young 



22 POLLYANNA 

Pendleton caught sight of pretty Charity peeking thro' 
the big iron gate it was love at first sight for both of 
them — if there- is such a thing. Do you believe in 

LOVE ? 

Miss Carroll 
I — do — not — but go on — ! 

Mrs. Carmody 
And you? 

Mrs. Gregg 
Only at rare intervals. But don't stop for trifles, then 
what? 

Mrs. Carmody 
Well — ^then they became engaged, these two, as did 
Miss Polly {Points towards stairs) and Chilton, Pendle- 
ton's friend. The impetuous young lovers wanted to be 
married at once, so the gay young blades hied themselves 
hither. 

Miss Carroll 
Hither? There's no such word as *' hither." 

Mrs. Carmody 
Why, Minnie Carroll — don't show your ignorance — 
you know well enough " hither's " a regular word. 

Miss Carroll 
I know nothing of the kind. It's obsolete. So, for 
pity's sake, Ruth, either tell this tale in modern English 
or let me tell it! 

Mrs. Carmody 
Well, for goodness' sake, tell it, if you think you're so 
eloquent in geography. Lord knows I'm not anxious ! 
Proceed ! 

Miss Carroll 



No, continue- 
No, you 

No, you 

No, you 



Mrs. Carmody 
Miss Carroll 
Mrs. Carmody 



POLLYANNA 23 

Mrs. Gregg 
{Rapidly turning fro.m one to the other.) Oh, my 
soul ! I'll expire on your hands if you don't get on. 
Now, Mrs. Carmody, you said Chilton and Pendleton 
had come hither — then what after the " hither " 

Mrs. Carmody 
Yes — hither. To this very room, they say, to pro- 
pose to old man Harrington, for their sweethearts ! 

Miss Carroll 
To that very spot, we're told {Points.) 

Mrs. Gregg 
Which spot? 

Mrs. Carmody 
The spot has been shifted, I hear. It was over here 
where we're sitting! 

Mrs. Gregg 
{Peering at feet.) For the land's sake! Isn't this ex- 
citing — well — then what ? 

Mrs. Carmody 
Well, then — where was I? Oh, yes — young Pendle- 
ton and Chilton came together. 

Miss Carroll 
{Unable to wait.) And he said " Yes " to Chilton 



Miss Gregg 
That's good ! {Mrs. Gregg alzmys transfers her atten- 
tion from one to the other as each speaks.) 

Mrs. Carmody 
Yes, but when Pendleton had rattled orff his little 
speech, he was given a most emphatic " No ! " 

Miss Gregg 
But why? Why? If he had money 



Mrs. Carmody 
Well — some said it was because he was a gay youth — 



24 POLLYANNA 

had sowed too many " wild oats " — others blamed it on 
the feud that existed between the boy's father and old 
man Harrington, but whatever the reason, the boy was 
forbidden the house and ordered not to communicate with 
his beloved Charity in any way, shape or form ! 

Miss Carroll 
Likewise — the girl was ordered to forget her lover, 
and forbidden to speak or see him again ! 

Mrs. Gregg 
Mean old thing ! Why didn't they run off. Now out 

West 

Mrs. Carmody 
Run off? Humph! How could she "run" when she 
wasn't allowed out of the house without some member of 
the family linked arms with her? 

Mrs. Gregg 
Couldn't Miss Polly — {Points upstairs) have played 
the go-between? 

Mrs. Carmody ' 

{Pointedly.) Out West, perhaps, but not here! In 
New England, daughters obey their fathers 

Mrs. Gregg 
Yes, and die of broken hearts ! 

Miss Carroll 
Oh, there's no doubt Miss Polly sympathized with her 
sister, but her father had her cowed 

Mrs. Carmody 
Cowed! What an unrefined word; don't tell me that 
ain't obsolete ! 

Miss Carroll 
It's nothing of the kind — it's perfectly legitimate. I 
leave it to Mrs. Gregg 

Mrs. Gregg 
Heavens ! Don't leave it to me ! I've troubles enough 



POLLYANNA 25 

of my own, as it is ! But — legitimate or illegitimate, 
what does it matter — so long as you get on with this tale ? 
Go on, child — (/i'ddresses Miss Carroll.) Miss Polly's 
father had her cowed, what? 

Miss Carroll 
No cowed — what — just plain cowed. {Points to his 
portrait.) There he hangs — you could tell he was 

hard 

Mrs. Gregg 
{Looking u\p at portrait.) Um ! What a pity he didn't 
hang before the story opened, the old piece of flint ! 
{Shakes -fist at portrait.) But go on! He had Miss 
Polly plain cowed? Was the last spurt 

Mrs. Carmody 
Yes, but — it seems Chilton had no qualms of con- 
science, and, unknown to Polly, he slipped a note into 
Charity's hand, from Pendleton, asking if she'd elope! 
If he could get her free from her jailers ! She sent back 
word " Yes "' ! — and will you believe it ? That imp of a 
boy went to work and engaged laborers, and inside of a 
month, had a secret passage dug from his home to hers, 
from cellar to cellar 

Mrs. Gregg 
Good for him ! 

Miss Carroll 
{Pointing down.) Right under this room, the door 
was! 

Mrs. Gregg 
I just love this story. {She gazes interestedly about 
-floor, and huddles closer.) 

Mrs. Carmody 
Yes — straight down under your chair ! 

Mrs. Gregg 
For the land's sake ! How exciting ! {Jolts chair aside 
and peers hard at spot.) I'll be a nervous wreck if you 
dont soon get it told. It's as good as a novel! 



26 POLLYANNA 

Mrs. Carmody 
Yes. Only they don't ''get married and live happy 
ever after " in this tale — they die of broken hearts ! 

Mrs. Gregg 
Aw — don't spoil it ! But go on — " from cellar to cel- 
lar " — then what ? 

Mrs. Carmody 
Well — when all was in readiness, he sent her a sig- 
nal 

Miss Carroll 
Two candles in the window instead of one ! 

Mrs. Gregg 
What window? (Peers around for windozv.) 

Miss Carroll 
Over at the Pendleton house — and up in Charity's 
room! (Points.) 

Mrs. Gregg 
Oh! 

Mrs. Carmody 
So they waited and waited and waited, for an oppor- 
tune chance to escape ! 

Miss Carroll 

Opportune! (To Mrs. Carmody.) Sadie Carmody, 
you ought to have been a book-writer ! I declare the way 
you're touching up this tale is somethin' grand ! Why — 
I know this story backward, and I give you my word, 
the way you tell it, I keep thinkin' I never heard it be- 
fore ! 

Mrs. Gregg 

(Impatiently.) Then what? Quick! Miss Polly '11 
be back before we get the lovers half-eloped ! 

Mrs. Carmody 
Well — the chance came ! (Mrs. Gregg sits forzvard,) 
An awful night ! How well I remember ! 

Miss Carroll 
And // 



POLLYANNA 27 

{Both women sigh at the rememhrance of the " awful " 
night. Mrs. Gregg turns head from one to another 
swiftly and comically as they piece out the tale.) 

Mrs. Carmody 
It was the night Beth Hargrave died 



Miss Carroll 
xALnd the post-office burned down— 



Mrs. Carmody 
And the bank was broke into 

Miss Carroll 
And poor Mrs. Snow, a bride, was run over by the fire- 
engines, AND hasn't walked A STEP SINCE ! 

Mrs. Gregg 
Good gracious ! What a night ! Why didn't I move 
there twenty years ago? (Glancing swiftly from one to 
another at their speeches and hitching chair closer.) 

Mrs. Carmody 
Yes, it was indeed a memorable night for this village 
that hadn't had a thrill in fifty years. Seemed like every- 
thing just waited to happen at once so as to get it over 
and done with that the village might settle back to calm 
again. Anyway — old man Harrington got out of his 
sick bed to watch the flames leap and roar. 

Miss Carroll 
(Trying to rattle her.) "Leap to roar!" Ain't that 
just too poetical ! Why don't you sing it, Ruthie, and be 
done with it? (Grins.) 

Mrs. Gregg 
(Nudging Miss Carroll.) Sh! Go on, dear — (To 
AIrs. Carmody.) 

Mrs. Carmody 
Certainly I'll go on. It takes more than Minnie Car- 
roll's eruptions to rattle me. (Miss C. smiles.) As I 



28 POLLYANNA 

was saying — the old-man-in-the- frame — (Points to por- 
trait — all look) got out of his sick bed to watch — the 
flames — {Now loud and at Miss C.) leap and roar 

Miss Carroll 
" Leap and roar " 

Mrs. Carmody 
With the two girls, Polly and Anna at his side. Then 
— they remembered lonely little Charity up-stairs, locked 
in her room, and Polly went for her, only to rush madly 
back with the word that she wasn't there ! She was 
GONE ! All over the house they rushed but no Charity 
could they find — then, suddenly a light was seen to gleam 
from the cellar, and just as the lovers were about to 
make their escape thro' the tunnel. 

Miss Carroll 
With the aid of Dr. Chilton who accompanied his 
friend. 

Mrs. Carmody 
The girl's father appeared upon the scene and snatched 
her from Pendleton's arms ! 

Mrs. Gregg 
{Shakes fist at portrait.) Oh, you brute ! You've gone 
and spoiled the whole story ! 

Miss Carroll 
Yes, and that wasn't all that was spoiled! Four young 
lives were spoiled and four youthful hearts were broken. 
Pendleton's, Charity's, Polly's and Chilton's — for Chilton 
was ordered never to come to the house nor speak to 
Polly again ! And he's kept his word ! 

Mrs. Gregg 
And how did it end? 

Mrs. Carmody 
Well — that night Mr. Harrington had a stroke ! 



A stroke? 
Yes! 



POLLYANNA 29 

Mrs. Gregg 
Miss Carroll 



Mrs. Carmody 
Now you take it up, Miss Minnie, seeing as you're so 
anxious to air your Geography ! Now for some real ob- 
soleters ! {Fans vigorously.) 

Mrs. Gregg 
Yes — and this time without argument, please, go on, 
Miss Minnie — he had a stroke — then what? 

Miss Carroll 
Then — poor little Charity was blamed for bringing it 
on ! Two days later she was shipped out West to her 
father's sister and guarded night and day lest she might 
run away ! But they didn't need to be so vigilant. 

Mrs. Carmody 
"Vigilant!" Ha! 

Miss Carroll 
/ — said — " vigilant " — for her spirit was broken along 
with her health, they said. Then, when the old man's 
second stroke came, he died, and cut her off entirely in 
his will and sent her word that if she ever expected or 
hoped for forgiveness for causing her father's death, she 

must expiate 

Mrs. Carmody 
Expiate — there's a real antique ! 

Miss Carroll 
She must expiate — her crime and work out her salva- 
tion in the Lord's Vineyard ! 

Mrs. Gregg 
{Then glancing at portrait.) My soul ! What a tyrant ! 
Thank God I didn't have a New England father ! 



30 POLLYANNA 

Miss Carroll 
It was then she engaged in mission-work and, later, 
married a missionary, and, together, they estabHshed that 
very Ozark Mission you visited ! 

Mrs. Gregg 
No! 

Miss Carroll 
Yes — -and that poverty-stricken woman you saw was 
Charity Harrington. (Miss Polly's sister) — and the 
preacher was her husband ! 

Mrs. Gregg 
And the beautiful child who prayed so hard for a doll. 
(Looks over at doll on chair, C.) 

Mrs. Carmody 
was their little one ? 



Mrs. Gregg 

{Clucking tongue in astonishment.) Well — well — 
what a little world this is, ain't it? {Then glances at por- 
trait, sourly.) And what a rotten one — with fathers like 
that! 

Mrs. Carmody 

Yes ! And that was why Miss Polly switched the sub- 
ject and started on a still hunt for a locket I don't be- 
lieve she lost ! They say she can't bear to hear her sister 
referred to, in any way, since she died. 

Mrs. Gregg 
She died? 

Mrs. Carmody 
Yes, some years ago. And her husband died last 
month — it's their little girl, " Pollyanna " (named for 
the two sisters Polly and Anna — Anna's dead, too, these 
many years) that that crazy Irish cook has gone to the 
station to meet ! 

Mrs. Gregg 
{Repeating the name.) "Pollyanna!" Why, yes! I 



POLLYANNA 31 

mind now ! The " glad girl," they called her. A lovely 
child, they said, spreading gladness like sunlight, every- 
where! She called it "the glad game," an unconscious 
sort of mission-work ! 

Miss Carroll 
Well— she'll find mission-work enough here, I can 
tell you ! If she can thaw out Miss Polly and make this 
village glad for anything, she'll be not only a mission 
worker but a 7wirac/^-worker ! (Rises.) 

Mrs. Carmody 
(Rising.)^ She will indeed! And with three doctors 
in the town and another one coming, the competition will 
be strong against her ! 

Mrs. Gregg 
{Pulling them both hack in their chairs.) But Pendle- 
ton? And Chilton? And Miss Polly? They didrit die, 
so what is their history these twenty years? 

Mrs. Carmody 
Well — Pendleton soured when his letters were re- 
turned and he became as bitter toward life as Har- 
rington had been toward him! For twenty years he has 
lived in his mansion, alone with his servants, and never 
ventures outside his estate ; keeping gates locked, doors 
barred, watchmen everywhere, and ferocious dogs on 
guard so that no one can enter ! Only Dr. Chilton is ever 
admitted — they are as close friends as ever. 

Mrs. Gregg 
And Miss Polly? Do you mean to say she has never 
made up with her lover — in twenty years? 

Mrs. Carmody 
No-— her promise to her dying father means more 
to her than " love," I suppose. Anyway — they never 
even speak in passing. 



32 POLLYANNA 

Miss Carroll 
There goes more poetry! {Affectedly.) Speak-in- 
passing ! 

Mrs. Gregg 
Well — it's, the only '' poetry " in New England I've 
discovered so far — Thank Heaven I arrived in the zone 
late in life ! The West may be conscienceless, but it's 
hitman ! 

Mrs. Carmody 
But he still cares for her, for last year w^hen she lay 
so ill with fever, he stayed over at Pendleton's and was 
seen to sit at the window, hours at a time — — 

Miss Carroll 
{Interrupting to explain. Points, R.) You know the 
places join — with only a stone-wall and a tall spite-hedge 
between. 

Mrs. Gregg 
The only thing it didn't have was iron bars. 

Miss Carroll 
{Continuing.) Well — there Chilton sat, gazing over 
at Miss Polly's window till she was pronounced out of 
danger. Oh, he cares — everybody knows that! 

Mrs. Gregg 
And Miss Polly? Does she care? 

Mrs. Carmody 
Nobody knows — and nobody ever zvill know what's 
going on inside Miss Polly's head and heart. {Sighs.) 
Poor Miss Polly ! It's a terrible thing to be an aristo- 
crat and not be able to show your feelin's ! Sh ! She's 
coming! {lumps up.) 

Mrs. Gregg 
{Also jumps up.) Here — quick! We want to wait 
and see this PoUyanna, don't we? So help UN-pack so 
we'll have to do it all over again ! And stay till she 
comes. Here! Here! {Hands out parcels rapidly to 
Ladies who place them here and there and everywhere 



POLLYANNA 33 

about the room quickly. Mrs. Carmody jumps up.) 
Talk about inspirations — Sh! Here she is! (Very 
calm voice now. Enter Miss Polly, U. C.) Now the 
next, please, Mrs. Carmody! (Mrs. Carmody hands 
hack a parcel and Miss Carroll puts it in barrel. Miss 
Cx\RROLL smiles at Miss Polly.) I'm afraid you'll think 
us awful slow, Polly, but things don't seem to fit in this 
barrel, somehow. 

Miss Polly 

No? 

Mrs. Gregg 

Your locket? Did you find it? 

Mrs. Carmody 
Yes — did you? 

Miss Carroll 
Did you? 

Miss Polly 
{Softly, in counter-distinction to their voices.) No — 
but William is looking in the garden. I think I dropped 
it there ! 

Miss Carroll 
O — h, I'm so sorry. 

Mrs. Gregg 
Yes — isa't it a shame? 

Mrs. Carmody 
{Affectedly.) One hates to lose heirlooms!- They're 
so hard to replace outside of Boston. Now the under- 
shirts, Mrs. Gregg (Mrs. . Gregg hands over the 

packet.) Thanks. (Mrs. Gregg hands another parcel.) 

And — the shoes ! There ! {Places the last parcel in 

the barrel.) 

{Enter Nancy, U. C, suddenly) 

Nancy 
Sh ! {Closes door behind her, but still hanging on to 

knob.) She's come, your orphant {Claps gloved 

hand over mouth.) I mean your niece! {Grinning 



34 POLLYANNA 

broadly as if she was in a merry mood after her trip from 
the station.) And I'm to announce her, she says — like 
they do in story-books. She's a restless bit, she is. Was 
out 0f the buggy every whipstitch — ''Chariot," she 
called it ; and she called old Dobbin a " steed ! " And we 
stopped so often the old nag got to thinkin' he was a 
street-car horse a-stoppin' at the corners ! And the 
things she picked up — but wait ! ( Claps hand over 
mouth as if to catch herself.) I wasn't to tell! It's, a 
surprise, she says — everything's a surprise to hen 
{Whistle off, U. C. Whisper — loud — behind hand — and 
grinning.) That's the signal to announce her, it is! 
Er — (Draws up digniHedly, clears throat.) Miss Polly- 
anna Whittier {Throws open door pompously.) 

Enter PoLLYANNA, U . C, carrying a little suit-case in 
one hand and a basket of flowers in the other. She 
zvears under a cape, the " red-and-zuhite " checked 
gingham and straw hat, and her face is beaming. 
She enters gracefully, comes down a few steps and 
bows low.) 

Nancy 
{Pointing to Miss Polly.) Your aunt, Miss Polly 
Harrington ! 

pollyanna 
{Rapturously — dropping everything and dashing to 
her aunt.) Oh, xA.unt Polly — dear Aunt Polly! I'm so^ 
glad to be here — and so glad to see you — and so glad 
you're beautiful ! And oh. Aunt Polly, please don't dis- 
like me because of my freckles and straight hair ! 
Freckles do fade, they say, and prayer may curl my hair, 
for miracles have been performed — I'm crazy about 
miracles, aren't you? 

Miss Polly 
{Aghast.) Well, I — I can't say I ever lost my mind 
over them, PoUyanna 

Pollyanna 
Oh, of course — not that I ever hope or expect to be 



POLLYANNA 35 

as beautiful as you, Aunt Polly — Oh, dear, no! That 
would be asking too much of the Lord ! And you're just 
like what my angel-mother told me you were like. She 
said you were like a beautiful painting, and you are ! And 
she loved you so, Aunt Polly — my angel-mother ; and she 
asked me to tell you (if ever I should see you) that she 
loved you till the last, dear Aunt, and that she forgave 
YOU WITH ALL HER HEART for whatever it was. I don't 
know what — but, whatever it was, she forgave you ! 
Oh, Aunt Polly! {Rapturously clasps her arms about the 
aunt.) 

Miss Polly 

That will do, Pollyanna {Gently unclasps childish 

arms.) 

Pollyanna 

{Hurt.) Oh, Aunt Polly — you're disappointed in me, 
aren't you ? I expect maybe you thought I'd be pretty, 
didn't you? 

Miss Polly 

Pretty? Why 

Pollyanna 
Yes — with curls, you know, and dimples, and all that! 
And of course you did wonder how I looked just as / 
did you! Only I knew you'd be beautiful on account of 
knowing your sister (my darling mother, you know.) 
I had her to go by, and you didn't have anybody, and 
it was a risk! And of course it is hard Vs^hen you're ex- 
pecting a pretty little girl to have one like me walk 
in! 

Miss Polly 
That will do, Pollyanna. Where are your manners? 
Speak to Mrs. Carmody and Mrs. Gregg and Miss Car- 
roll of our " Ladies' Aid ! " 

Pollyanna 

{Explosively, as she whirls around and sees the trio 
lined u\p, R. C.) Ladies' Aiders! Oh, how bee-vou — 
ti — f ul ! {Rushes toward them with outstretched hands.) 
Why — the Ladies' Aiders are the only mother I have 
known since my o^wn sweet mother died. {Grips hands 



36 POLLYANNA 

of all as she beams and eifervesces!) I'm so glad to 
know you and I'm going to love you — every Aider of 
you! {Spies the barrel \) And my dear friend, Barrel! 
Oh, don't you know me. Barrel? I'm Pollyanna — and 
youVe furnished me with all my clothes since I was 
hardly born! See! {Shows her frock to the barrel.) 
This frock came out of your sister-lDarrel, and this lovely 
hat — and these shoes ! {Indicates freakish hat and too- 
large shoes.) And I thank you, dear Barrel, for I love 
every stitch you've ever given me, whether it fit or not! 
{Hugs and kisses barrel.) Dear — ^dear Barrel! {Kisses 
barrel— ILadies gasp.) 

Miss Polly 
{Embarrassed.) Er — your clothes, Pollyanna 



Pollyanna 
Oh, please, aunt, don't think me disrespectful for not 
wearing black for my dear father — it isn't that I didn't 
love him, for I did and do! Only God understands how 
mMch! God and the angels that is, for I think God talks 
things over with his family, don't you, Aunt Polly ? But 
I couldn't wear black because there was no little black 
things in the last barrel, only a black velvet lady's basque 
— I mean the basque was velvet, not the " lady ! " And 
besides, Mrs. White said she didn't like children in black 
— I mean, she liked the children, of course, but not the 
black part ! And, of course, it'd be a good deal harder 
to be glad in black ! {Lowers eyes — voice breaks.) 

Miss Polly 

Glad? 

Pollyanna 

Ves — glad that father's gone to heaven to be with the 
rest of us — my angel mother, you know. He said I nmst 
be glad. But it's been pretty hard to be it in red ging- 
ham — {Looks down at and smooths her dress) be- 
cause I wanted him so. And I couldn't help feeling 
I'd a right to have him, 'specially as mother had God and 
the angels and I didn't have anybody but the Ladies' 
Aiders. (Ladies appear touched.) But now I'm sure 



POLLYANNA 37 

it'll be easier, now that I've got you, Aunt Polly, Oh, I'm 
so glad I've got you, Aunt Polly — (Seises her hand and 
holds it to her cheek lovingly, almost passionately in her 
longing for some one to love her.) Are — are you glad 
you've got me? 

Miss Polly 
There — there — nov^. Compose yourself, PoUyanna. 
{Coolly withdrazus hand.) And sit down. There's a 
chair. {Points to chair occupied by doll, C, hut doll can- 
not he seen hy Polly or PoUyanna.) 

POLLYANNA 

Oh, such a zi^onderful chair. The Whites — they're 
rich, too, and have stuffy chairs and carpets in every 
room, and ice-cream on Sundays. Oh, you'd adore Mrs. 
White. She's a Ladies' Aider, too, Mrs. White is,, but a 
stylish one with gold rings and an amethyst breastpin, 

and her son's learning to play the cornet Did you 

ever hear any one learning to play the cornet ? 

Mrs. Carmody 
I never did ! 

POLLYANNA 

W^ell — you've missed a lot. And Mr. White, he 

{Goes to chair, C.) 

Miss Polly 

Never mind about the Whites. Now, ladies (Pol- 

lyanna suddenly spies doll on chair, C.) 

Pollyanna 
{Her eyes glued on the doll — her arms outstretched — 
rushing to doll and sweeping her in her a/rms.) Oh, 
Aunt Polly — how sweet of you to plan this surprise! 
How darling of you ! And her lovely curls — why, she 
looks Hke you. Aunt Polly! Oh, you precious! {Hugs 
her spasmodically.) Oh — Oh — Oh! {Then rushing to 
her Aunt and hugging her arm.) How can I ever thank 
you enough, dear, good, kind, beautiful Aunt Polly! 



38 POLLYANNA 

Miss Polly 
{Gently putting her aside.) You are mistaken, Polly- 
anna. The doll is not meant for you. 

POLLYANNA 

(Shocked.) Not — meant — for — me? Why, Aunt 
Polly! You — you mean that 

(Ladies murmur that she should he permitted to keep 
the doll, hut Miss Polly only frowns and raises re- 
straining hand.) 

Miss Polly 
No, Pollyanna. It goes in the barrel — to a mission — 
for another little girl ! 

Pollyanna 
{Dazed and grief-stricken.) An — other — little girl? 
Oh! {Then pulling herself together.) Oh, well, after all 
I'm glad — for — ^that — that '' oither little girl." Just like 
I was glad when the crutches came in the barrel when 
{Places doll in harrel tenderly) I'd prayed for a doll — I 
cried at first, then I found the thing to be glad about. — 
I was glad I didn't have to walk with crutches — that 
was the beginning of the "GLAD GAME ! " 

Ladies 
{More or less in unison.) GLAD game? — What's a 
GLAD game? — What's that, next? 

Pollyanna 
Father invented it. He got the idea from the " Re- 



Ladies 



joicmgs. 

Rejoicings? 

Pollyanna - ^ 

Yes — you know. The texts that begin — " Be glad in 
the Lord and rejoice!" Oh ''Rejoice greatly!" or 
"Shout for joy!" Aren't they exciting? And there's 
800 of them^ — Father counted them one day when he felt 
very down-hearted — and they made him feel better right 



POLLYANNA 39 

away. He said if God took the trouble to tell us 800 
times to be glad He must want us to do it — some! Then 
we began the " Glad games," father and I — I with my 
crutches and he with the " rejoicings." Oh, it's such a 
jolly game. 

Ladies 
But what is it ? What is the game ? 

POLLYANNA 

Why — it's to find something in everything to be glad 
about. To be glad — no matter what, then try to guess 
the " WHY " of it ! Like this — if you stub your toe, be 
glad it isn't tzvv toes ! And if you loae a penny, be glad 
it isn't a dim,e! And if you have measles, be glad it 
isn't HYDROPHOBIA ! Oh, it's such fun — come on and let's 
play it! (Skips lightly, R., and snatches Mrs. Gregg's 
hand as if preparatory to forming a ring for the game.) 

Miss Polly 
Not now, Pollyanna — we mustn't detain the ladies 
longer. 

(Ladies suddenly realise they have over-stayed their 
welcome.) 

Ladies 
(More or less in unison, fussily starting, U. C.) I 
should say so ! — Gracious, yes ! — Yes, we must be going ! 

Pollyanna 
(Darting, D. C. R. and picking up something.) Oh ! 
What a bee-you-ti-ful locket! 

Ladies 
(Stopping suddenly and looking hack at child dozvn 
on floor.) Locket? 

Miss Polly 
Then I did drop it here? (Starts toward Polly- 
anna.) 



40 POLLYANNA 

POLLYANNA 

(Gating at the open trinket.) And what a pretty 
MAN inside ! 

Ladies 
Pretty man ? — For the love of — Oh, Miss. Polly ! 

Miss Polly 
That will do, Pollyanna! (Takes locket.) Good after- 
noon, ladies. 

Ladies 
Good afternoon. (Go, U. C.) 

Mrs. Gregg 
Good afternoon, Poljyanna. 



Goodbye, child 



Goodbye ! 



Mrs. Carmody 



Miss Carroll 



Pollyanna 

Goodbye, Ladies' Aiders ! I'm coming to see you soon 
and all the other Lady Aiders, and teach you the " Glad 
Game," if I may! 

Ladies 
(More or less in unison.) 
Mrs. Gregg : Indeed you may ! 
Miss Carroll : Do come ! 
Mrs. Carmody : We'll expect you ! - 

(Exeunt, U. €., Ladies) 

. Pollyanna 
(Turning smiling face to Aunt Polly and drawing 
deep audible sigh of apparent happiness.) A — h! 
(Glances about.) It'st so beautiful here — squashy car- 
pets — (Rubs toes lightly into the pile of carpet) and 
lacey curtains — (Sits and bounces on ^'stuffed'' chair) 
and stuffed chairs ! Just like a mansion-in-the-sky ! Isn't 
it, Aunt Polly? 



POLLYANNA 41 

Miss Polly 
What an extraordinary statement! 

POLLYANNA 

Or Fairyland ! That's what it is — Fairyland ! 

Miss Polly 
No, Pollyanna, there is no such place! 

POLLYANNA 

(/4'ghast.) Why, Aunt Polly ! Don't you believe in 
fairies ? 

Miss Polly 
Certainly not, Pollyanna ! 

POLLYANNA 

Nor in fairy godmothers? (Miss Polly shakes head 
positively.) Nor in magic wands? 

Miss Polly 
No, Pollyanna! 

Pollyanna 
Nor in fairy-princesses or enchanted castles? 

Miss Polly 
I do not! 

Pollyanna 
Do you believe in God? 

Miss Polly 

(Explosively — staring at child.) Pollyanna! (Pol- 
lyanna nearly tumbles oif her chair at the explosion.) 
What do you mean by such a question. Certainly I be- 
lieve in God ! 

Pollyanna 

Well, Pm glad you believe in something — Aunt Polly. 
Yo;U wouldn't have anybody to talk to when you're 
alone if you didn't. (Explosively as Miss Polly takes 
up howl of flowers and is about to place it properly on 



42 POLLYANNA 

table.) Oh, Aunt Polly! Don't move! Just stay 
WHERE YOU ARE ! With your pretty violet dress and red 
and green and yellow bouquet, yau look like a regular 
rainbow I 

Miss Polly 
(Setting flowers down at C. of table.) What an ex- 
traordinary child ! 

POLLYANNA 

Do you know what I should like to do with you? I 
should like to hang you on a string across the window, 
for a prism and watch the sun shine through you ! You 
would throw such a bee-you-ti-ful rainbow, wouldn't you. 
Aunt Polly? 

Miss Polly 

Oh, I — I don't know about that, child ! 

POLLYANNA 

(Gating around at the pleasant room.) I — tell — you 
—it 'd be pretty hard for you to play the game, wouldn't 
it? You know — the game to find someihing-in- every- 
thing to be glad about, for you wouldn't have to hunt 
for there isn't anything about you you couldn't be glad 
about so there wouldn't be any fun for you ! (Slips off 
the horsehair chair as she wiggles on it. Rescuing her- 
self from her near tumble.) Goodness me! But this 
chair is slippery! (Manages to get on her feet, sees 
Nancy peeking in at half-open door, U. C, suddenly re- 
members something as Nancy holds smail basket to 
znew.) Oh ! I forgot ! I have a present for you. Aunt 
Polly! (Skips lightly to door — Nancy disappears but 
she hands something covered zmth a scarf to child.) 
Wait! It's such a cunning thing. You'll adore it! 
Thank you, Nancy — (Skips back to her aunt at table, 
L. C. Then, very impressively.) From you to me, with 
love — (Lifts the scarf as if she w^ere doing a sleight of 
hand trick, and exhibits a tiny, half-starved mezving kit- 
ten.) 

Miss Polly 

(With little scream, drawing back, afraid of the 
mangey little thing.) Ow ! Take it away ! Take it away ! 



POLLYANNA 43 

POLLYANNA 

{Looking at it closely.) Why, what's the matter with 
it? 

Miss Polly 
{Sharply, excitedly.) Matter with it? Everything's 
the matter with it ! Take it away, I tell you ! 

Polly ANN A 
{Surprised tone — though not excited as is Miss 
Polly.) Why, Aunt Polly! Don't you like kittens? 

Miss Polly 
Like them ? I loathe them ! Take it away ! 

PoLLYANNA 

{Cuddling the kitten to her heart as if apologizing for 
the aunt's cold reception and hacking toward door 
quickly.) Oh, but don't be discouraged. Aunt Polly. I 
just thought you mightn't like kittens, so I prepared an- 
other surprise. Wait ! {Dances swiftly hack to door — 
hands out kitten and accepts another scarf-covered ar- 
ticle.) You'll just LOVE tliis gift, I know! Pm crazy 
about it ! It's so solemn ! And so cuddly ! Thank you, 
Nancy. Close your eyes, Aunt Polly ! {Dances hack 
toward her aunt.) Ready? One — two — three — there! 
{Snatches scarf from this " trick," and holds out a wrig- 
gling Newfoundland puppy. Again Miss Polly 
squeals.) 

Miss Polly 

{Excitedly.) Take it away! 

POLLYANNA 

{/i'stounded.) Why, Aunt Polly! Don't you like 
puppies, either? {Stoops as if to show that it can walk.) 

Miss POlly 
I despise them ! {Puppy starts walking toward her — 
she turns azmy as if really afraid of it. ) O w ! Call it off ! 
Call it off, I tell you ! {Scranihles hack out of its reach.) 



44 POLLYANNA 

POLLYANNA 

(On the floor — rescuing the dog.) Why, Aunt Polly 
— it's only a baby-dog! (Cuddles it in her arms and ad- 
dresses it.) Aren't you only a baby-doggie? Huh? 
(Then resignedly.) He wouldn't bite. ' See — he's wag- 
ging his little taily-waily. (She wiggles his tail.) See? 
He's just crazy about you. Look at him, the little or- 
phan! (Kises him. Scrambles to her feet, pup in arms.) 
But that's all right. Auntie, dear, something told me you 
mightn't like puppies, so I've still another surprise ! 
Wait ! (Darts hack, U. C, and hands puppy to Nancy, 
off.) It won't scratch like a kitten or bark like a puppy ! 
You'll just love it to death, I know ! It's so bee-you-ti- 
ful! (Then as she is about to produce same.) Don't 
look! It's a real surpdse. You'll just want to eat it. 
(But Miss Polly already has back turned. A shawl- 
covered moving body appears, takes Pollyanna's hand, 
and together they come C.) Ready, Aunt Polly? Now 
you may look! One — two — three — (Snatches shawl 
and discloses a rosy-cheeked boy, wearing the coarse blue 
denim> " uniform " of the Orphanage. His smiling face 
awaits a zmrm reception from Miss Polly.) There! 

Miss Polly 
(Simply aghast.) PollyANNA! What — does — this — 
mean? 

POLLYANNA 

This is Jimmy Bean, Aunt Polly. Make a bow, 
Jimmy! (Bobs his head for him.) Isn't he sweet. Aunt 
Polly? Isn't he a nice gift? Aren't you glad? (The 
boy smiles, hoping to be received. Pollyanna smooths 
his tousled hair.) 

Miss Polly 

(Sarcastically.) GLAD? (Then sharply.) Polly- 
anna, where did you find this boy? Answer me? 

Pollyanna 
(Kneeling and drazving up his stocking. Cheerful 
tone.) I found him along the roadside. Aunt Polly, un- 
der the willow-trees ! He's run away from the Orphan- 
age where they don't have mothers and things ! And 



POLLYANNA 45 

he wants a regular home ! Isn't he dear ? Don't you 
adore him? Smile, Jimmy — (Jimmie smiles a broad, 
teethy smile — none too mirthful, hozvever.) See — hasn't 
he pretty teeth? You zvill adopt him, won't you, Aunt 
Polly? You zvill let him stay? 

Miss Polly 

(Explosively.) Let him STAYf. Adopt him? Are 
you mad, Pollyanna? Isn't it enough that I have one 
orphan thrust upon me without adding toi my troubles? 
Do you think I want to start a rival — Orphan Asylum ? 
Certainly I will not adopt him, nor will I let him stay? 
{Jimmie's teethy smile suddenly dies.) The very idea! 
What do you mean by bringing into my house all the 
stray dogs and cats and dirty little beggars you find 
along the roadside! 

Jimmie 

{Standing grandly forth in defiant attitude and clench- 
ing his fist as he retorts to the woman,) I'm not dirty, 
and I'm not a beggar! I'm as clean as anything — and 
I'm not begging for a home. I can work, / can — And 
I wouldn't stay if yoiu said I could — I want a mother. 
I do not want your kind, so there ! (Shakes head de- 
fiantly — then to Pollyanna, gently.) Goodbye, girl — 
(Starts tozuard door, U. C, brushing the angry tears 
from his eyes.) 

Pollyanna 

(Szjuooping upon him. and hugging him tightly ziuith 
both arms.) Oh, Jimmie, Jimmie, don't cry, please ! It's 
all my fault — not Aunt Polly's, ! You see, I didn't under- 
stand ! I didn't knozv about things before I came. But 
don't be discouraged — be GLAD. I'll find a parent for 
you yet — tzvo of 'em — who knows ! There are a lot more 
houses. This is . an awful big village. (Jimmie zuipes 
his eyes.) Not as big as New York, of course, for thafs 
the biggest village in the United Statesi. Oh — please 
forgive me, Jimmie. (Hugs him.) I wouldn't hurt your 
feelings for the world ! And you'll meet me tomorrow 
afternoon? At the same place? (He tearfully bobs head 
" Yes.'') There now — that's a good boy — (Kisses him.) 
Goodbye, Jimmie dear 



46 POLLYANNA 

JiMMIE 

(Smiling bravely and putting out his hand.) Good- 
bye, girl 

PoLLYANNA 

And mind — you mustn't be sorry Aunt Polly didn't 
adopt you. You must be GLAD ! That's the game, you 
know ! 

JiMMIE 

I am GLAD ! I don't like her ! 

POLLYANNA 

(Gently placing her hand over his mouth. Smiles at 
Aunt Polly.) Sh! O — h, you mustn't say such things! 
Just be glad wiihout a reason — ^that's much nicer ! Be 
glad of everything, wrong or right, for everything's 
right! (Hugs him spasmodically.) 

JiMMIE 

All right, PoUyanny ! ( Then pointing accusing finger 
to Miss Polly.) Just the same, she — she 

POLLYANNA 

(Catching the finger and stopping.) Oh — oh — oh! 
(Kisses the top of his head and turns him about as if to 
head him homeward.) Till tomorrow, then — at the same 
place — Goodbye — Jimmie, dear ! 

JiMMIE 

Goodbye, Pollyanny ! 

(They wave — Nancy opens door, U. C, exit Jimmie.) 

Miss Polly 
(Sternly.) PoUyanna, what do you mean by picking 
up germ-laden beasts and nameless waifs and bringing 
them, uninvited, into my home? 

POLLYANNA 

(Embarrassed for the moment.) Why — why, I — I 
thought you'd be glad to have 'em — for pets ! 



POLLYANNA 47 

Miss Polly 
{Exploswely, and disgustedly.). Pets! Humph! 
Send that ragamuffin back where he belongs, Nancy^ 
{Then to Nancy, U. C.) and get rid of the grimy little 
beasts! {Turns to arrange hooks on table beside her.) 

Nancy 
Shure, Miss Polly 

POLLYANNA 

{With heartbroken cry, pleadingly to Nancy.) Oh, 
PLEASE — please — (Nancy zuig-zuags her head and zmnks 
knozvingly, indicating that she unll not harm the pets.) 

Nancy 
{Still zvinking, etc.) Oi'll fix 'em, Oi will — ^the little 
imps — (PoLLYANNA utters another ''Oh" but Nancy 
winks and shakes Ust that she is only ''bluffing." Polly- 
anna understands, and turns gaze upon her aunt to see 
if she is looking, hut Miss Polly is busy straightening 
her books.) Say '' goodbye "to them, Pollyanna — {Holds 
them up, one in each hand, still indicating to Pollyanna 
that she means to keep them.) 

Pollyanna 
Goodbye, Sodom and Gomorrah — {Wafts kisses to the 
pets.) 

Miss Polly 
{Whirling about suddenly, Nancy's grinning face 
grows solemn.) Sodom and Gomorrah? 

Pollyanna 
{Sweetly.) Yes, it seemed to be raining fire and 
brimstone from the engine at both the stations where I 
picked 'em up, so I called 'em that. Not that they're 
sinful, the dear little "innocents". . . .their little souls 
are as white as snow. Anyway, I don't believe in "infant 
damnation." God is too nice. . . Do you. Aunt Polly? 



48 POLLYANNA 

Miss Polly 
That will do, Pollyanna. Nancy, when you have dis- 
posed of the animals, you may show Miss Pollyanna to 
her room — 

Nancy 
Shure, Miss Polly— 

{Exit, U. C.) 

Miss Polly 
{Continuing.) I shall go before and see that every- 
thing is in readiness. {Starts somewhat, U. C.) I hope 
my child, you have a thorough understanding of con- 
ditions and will be truly grateful for my receiving you ! 

Pollyanna 
Oh, Aunt Polly — ! As if I ever could be ungrateful to 
you, why, I love you — Fve got to whether I want to or 
not, for you're an aunt; not that I wouldn't love you — • 
anyway, even if you weren't flesh-of-my-flesh and bone- 
of-my-bone — ^but 

Miss Polly 
{Cooly, interrupting in counter distinction to the 
child's eifervescent manner.) I shall do my best to rear 
you properly — 

Pollyanna 
{Eagerly.) I'm sure of it. Aunt Polly — I've gotten a 
pretty good start being reared, you know. Father saw 
to it after mother died. Then the Ladies' Aiders — 

Miss Polly 
As to your daily routine — ^you will rise at 7, breakfast 
at 8 — Read aloud till 9 — Have a cooking-lesson till 10 — 
sew till II — lunch at 12 — Practice your music till 2 — Do 
your lessons till 4 — Get ready for supper at 5 — And in 
bed at 8. 

Pollyanna 
Oh, but Aunt Polly — you haven't left me any time to 
just live. 



POLLYANNA 49 

Miss Polly 
Live? Aren't you living when you're working? 

POLLYANNA 

Oh, yes, of course, Aunt Polly. I'll be breathing but 
''just breathing'' isn't really living, you know. It's just 
going on. 

Miss Polly 
Oh, I think you'll get on very well, but remember, 
Pollyanna — I shall expect something in return for all 
this care — don't forget that! 

Pollyanna 
Oh, yes, indeed — Aunt Polly! Not money, of course, 
for I have no money. Ministers never do have, they say, 

but 

Miss Polly 
/ am speaking, Pollyanna. 

Pollyanna - 
(Subdued.) Oh — excuse me. Aunt Polly, I just love 
to say '' Aunt Polly " — it seems so " belongy " after not 
having had any "" belongers " — only " Ladies' Aiders " — 

Miss Polly 

And implicit obedience (Interrupting Polly anna's 

flow of words.) 

Pollyanna 
Oh, yes, of course, Aunt Polly — I'll always obey you, 
even 

Miss Polly 
(Interrupting.) And another thing, Pollyanna 



Pollyanna 
(Eagerly.) Yes, Aunt Polly! As many ''things " as 
you like. 

Miss Polly 
Don't — don't speak of your mother, please,. Polly- 
anna 



50 POLLYANNA 

POLLYANNA 

(Astounded, smile dies.) Not speak of my angel- 
mother? {/Almost in tears.) Why, Aunt Polly! I — 
j ust — worshipped — my — darHng 

Miss Polly 
{Raising detaining hand.) I wish it so. Nor your 
father, PoUyanna! 

Polly ANN A 
{With much feeling.) My poor dead father? Oh, 
Aunt Polly! Why, he and I 

Miss Polly 
{Interrupting.) Nor your mission — nor your '' Ladies' 
Aiders," as you call them, nor anything else that has to 
do with your former life. 

Polly ANN A 
{Aghast — beginning to feel hurt.) But, it's the only 
life I've ever lived, Aunt Polly! Why! Why! Aunt 
Polly ! I won't be able to talk ! 

Miss Polly 
That is as it should be, Pollyanna. Children should 
be seen and not heard ! After this, you will kindly speak 
only when spoken to ! 

Pollyanna 

{Humiliated — disillusioned.) Oh, Aunt Polly, have I 
displeased you ? I'm so sorry ! I do ^o want you to love 
me ! {Steps lightly tozuard her, her hands out plead- 
ingly. ) 

Miss Polly 

{Evading a possible caress.) "Love" does not come 
in a moment, Pollyanna — Love grows! I am not blam- 
ing you for being catapulted upon my hands. It was 
neither your fault nor mine but the fault of ''circum- 
stance ! " But we must make the best of it, both of 
us! 



POLLY ANNA 51 

POLLYANNA 

(Aghast.) "Best of it?" Why, Aunt Polly, 
d — d — d — didn't you send for me? Aren't you glad to 
have me? D — d — d — don't you want me? (Holds out 
her lonely little arms pathetically.) 

Miss Polly 
No, Pollyanna, there is no reason for me to dissemble 
— a " lie " is never justifiable. And you might as well 
understand in the beginning that I have received you 
under my roof purely as a. matter of duty — it is entirely 
up to you whether I shall be glad or regret my action! 

Pollyanna 

(A lump in her throat — tears in her eyes.) Oh, Aunt 
Polly ! 

Miss Polly 

{The door, U. C. swings noiselessly open — and Nancy 
stands there, her subdued manner and sullen expression 
indicating that she has heard and disapproaves of Miss 
Polly's words.) Nancy will show you tO' your room, 

Pollyanna (Goes to doors, U. R.) Be quick, Nancy 

— then come down and prepare the dinner ! 

{Exit Miss Polly swiftly, U. R. closing door.) 
(Nancy doesn't anszver, but her eyes follow the 
zuoman till she disappears, the sullen expression not 
leaving her face.) 
(Pollyanna remains C, motionless, the tears stream- 
ing down her face, utterly wordless and struggling 
bravely not to break dozvn.) 
(Nancy looks at the pathetic little figure, and shakes 
her head sympatheticaly, then goes softly to the child 
and places her tzuo hands on the girl's shoulders and 
peers round at the sad little face.) 

Nancy 
{Softly.) It's pretty hard to be GLAD when you ain't 
wanted, ain't it, little one ? You can't play the game now, 
can you, darlih'? 



52 POLLYANNA 

POLLYANNA 

{Swallowing the lump in her throat and trying to 
smile happily^) Why — why — yes, I can, Nancy. I can 
play the game ! Pm GLAD Aunt Polly doesn't want me, 
for Pll be all the GLADDER when she does! {Seizes 
Nancy's hand and smiles up into her face. Presses her 
hot cheek against Nancy's protecting hand.) 



CURTAIN. 



ACT II 

PLACE. TIME. SCENE. 

John Pendelton's library. Two weeks later. A hand- 
some old room with panelled zualls, heam,ed ceiling, 
splendid rugs and fine old furniture. Practical door 
leading to outer door, U. C. Practical door leading 
to dining-room, R. Practical door leading to drawing- 
room, L. High, zvide windozv zvith inside-shutters, 
closed, U. C. just R. of door. Fire-place and mantel, 
D. R. Book-cases fill zi alls, L. and U. C. from, door to 
L. A curiously-appearing space of panelled wall zvith- 
out picture or book-case is U. R., flanked on either 
side by closed cabinets exactly alike, on the top of each 
of zvhich stands an old brass candle-stick hung with 
prisms. One cabinet is a cellarette. The ceiling-light 
is a candelabra, also hung zvith prisms. Several old 
portraits adorn the zvalls. Also a few very good 
pieces of bronze are on top of book-cases. A settee is 
drawn diagonally before fireplace, R., and heaped unth 
pillozvs. A large reading-table zmth many drazvers 
stands, C. Arm-chairs are at either side of table, and 
other chairs are about the room. The room is not zvell- 
lighted as gas is used for the purpose. Books and mag- 
azines are on the table — also cigars, matches, writing- 
materials, etc. 

discovered 

At rise of curtain John Pendelton sits at R. of table, 
playing solitaire. He ezndently is recovering from an 
illness, and is dressed in soft white shirt and dark 
trousers, dressing- gozvn, and house-slippers. On the 
table beside him is a small tray with a decanter and a 
glass from which he sips occasionally. He is a hand- 
some well-bred chap, but, judging from his manner of 
speech, none-too-sweet-tempered. A cane is at the side 
of his chair. Silence reigns as he plays his cards. 

53 



54 POLLYANNA 

Bleecker's Voice 
{Off R. Frightened.) Oh, Master John — Master 
John 

(Pendelton frozuns — turns and stares, R. in direc- 
tion of this surprising confusion. Frenzied knock on 
door as cry continues.) 

May I come in, sir? Master John 



Pendleton 

{Astonished.) What the devil {Then calling 

loudly as the knocking continues.) Come in — come in — 
Don't pound the house down — 

{Enter Bleecker, panting and frightened, R., car ef idly 
closing door behind him. He is badly frightened as 
is evident from both voice and manner.) 

What in the name of heaven — has the world come to 
an end? 

Bleecker 

{Breathlessly.) I think so, sir — I fear the Resurrec- 
tion Morn is at hand, for as sure as I stand here, the 
dead are coming to life ! 

Pendleton 
Indeed? Well, hereafter, Bleecker, I will be the cus- 
todian of the cellarette! {Resumes his game and cigar 
calmly.) 

Bleecker 
But I'm in earnest, sir. I saw it with my own eyes ! 

Pendleton 
Saw zvhat, you shivering old monk? 

Bleecker 
A ghost, sir! Thro' the hedge, sir, begging the gar- 
dener to let her in. She thinks you're a king, sir, and 
your house a castle. 



POLLYANNA 55 

Pendleton 
She, is it? You might know it was a prying woman. 
(Again resumes cards.) Order her off, will you, and if 
she refuses, set the dogs on her ! 

Bleecker 
(Nervously.) It was the gardener who first saw her, 
sir, trying to scale the stone wall. And when he ordered 
her out, she told him she was GLAD, for then she would 
be all the GLADDER when she did get in ! 

Pendleton 
O — h, she did, eh ? Lnpudent baggage ! 

Bleecker 

Up to today it's been only a voice and we thought it 
was only a resemblance, but today — (Frenzied manner) 
Today, sir — oh, forgive me, sir, I know you have not 
permitted her name to be spoken in twenty years, 

but 

Pendleton 

(Angrily dropping cards, grasping arms of chair and 
half-rising in chair, and frowning and shouting at the 
man.) Twenty years? What has that to do with it? 

Bleecker 
Everything, sir, for it's her, sir — Today when she 
poked her little head thro' the hedge the gardener 
shrieked and da'sihed to the house, crying he had seen a 
ghost ! I laughed at him, sir. Me not believing in 
" ghosts " — that is, not till today, sir, but when /, too, saw 
the little face, I knew he was right, and that ghosts was 
and did be, for oh, sir, believe me or not, as you will, 
but as God is my judge, it was " Miss Charity " come 

TO LIFE ! 

Pendleton 
Nonsense ! It's some mischievous village-imp playing 
a joke on me ! Close up the hole in the hedge — -and send 
the minx away! I shall not permit even a ''ghost" to 
enter and break my rule of twenty years ! (Bell rings 
off U. C.) There's the doctor now. Let him in, and 



56 POLLYANNA 

remember, Bleecker, no m^re ghosts! Do you hear? No 
MORE GHOSTS ! {Sweeps his cards up and shuMes them 
snappily.) 

Bleecker 

{Tremblingly — disappointed that this ghost-business is 
not to be thoroughly sifted.) V — very good, sir 

{Hesitatingly, stepping, L. but as if waiting for further 
zvords before receiving the M. D.) A — as you will, sir! 
But the gardener 

Pendleton - 
Never mind about the gardener — {Noisily arranges a 
row of cards.) 

Bleecker 
{Taking another jerky step or two doorzvard.) No, sir 
— Of course not, sir — But if Miss Charity 

Pendleton 
{Angrily. Slapping down cards and jumping to feet 
in a passion, fairly snarls at the man.) Don't speak 
THAT name! Haven't I forbidden it for twenty 

YEARS ? 

Bleecker 
{Nervously, timidly.) Y — yes, sir — I beg pardon, 

sir 

{Bell rings again, off U . C.) 

Let that bell-ringer in ! He'll waken the dead, then 
we WILL have ghosts prowling about! 

{At this prophecy poor Bleecker trembles, his mouth 
falls open, his knees rattle.) 

Bleecker 
{Terrified manner — rubs hands together foolishly.) 
Don't say that, sir 

Pendleton 
Then answer the bell — and another word about ghosts 
and you're dismissed. 



POLLYANNA 57 

Bleecker 
(Szmllowing hard.) Y — yes, sir — As you will, sir — 
(Peers about as if expecting another ghost.) 

Pendleton 
(Out of patience with the man — fairly shouts at hifn.) 
Go! (Dashes the whole pack of cards at the trembling 
fellow.) 

Bleecker 
I — I'm going, sir! (Hurries to door, U. C.) 

(Bell rings again, oif U. C.) ' 

C — coming, doctor — coming, Mr. Tom — coming! 
Coming ! 

(Exit, U. C. leaving door open into hall.) 

Pendleton 
(Muttering to himself as he drops into chair.) Ghosts ! 
Charity ! O' — h ! ( With groan as if of pain, drazvs hand 
across head. Then — hearing the voice of his friend, 
the doctor, in hall, pulls himself together, and lights 
cigar. ) 

Chilton 
(Off, U. C.) You're pale, Bleecker. What yoii need 
is a tonic. I'll leave the prescription with Mr. Pendleton. 

Bleecker 
Very good, sir. Thank you, sir. 

Chilton 
And, Bleecker? 

(Enter Chilton just outside door, U. C, before enter- 
ing room.) 

Have my chauffeur drive down for Mrs. Ford's nurse, 
will you, and tell him to come straight back? (Hands 
him letter.) 



58 POLLYANNA 

Bleecker 
{Seen taking the letter.) Certainly, sir. (Bleecker 
disappears. ) 

Cpiilton 
Thanks! {Enter room.) Smoking again, eh? And 
how's the cripple? {Comes swiftly to Pendleton's side 
and shakes hands.) Great scotll Have you seen a 
ghost ? 

Pendleton 
No, but Bleecker has, and it's affected my nerves. Sit 
down, old man. {Then thinking Bleecker has entered 
room.) Bleecker? {Turns and sees no Bleecker, then 
angrily calls pounding with cane once.) Bleecker! 
Confound than man — never about when I want him, and 
under my feet when I don't! {Raises voice.) 1 say — ■ 
Bleecker 

{Enter Bleecker hastily, U. C. closing door.) 

Bleecker 
Yes, sir ! Here I am, sir ! 

Pendleton 
Where the devil have you been — to the North Pole? 
Close that door 

(Bleecker goes to cellar ette, U. R. and mixes drink.) 
(Then to Chilton who has sauntered around table.) 
Sit down, old man. How's the weather? Cold as 

blitzen w-doors ! Ugh! B — r — r — r — ! {Shivers.) 

Chilton 
And as hot as Tophet, out! If you'd only open that 
window and let in that flood of sunshine out there, you 
wouldn't need a wood fire in September ! But no, no ! 
Because it happens to wash the house on the other side 
of the hedge before it reaches you, you're afraid you'll 
be contaminated! {Throws up hands, sits in front of 
table J somezvhat diagonally from Pendleton.) 



POLLYANNA 59 

Pendleton 
Noiw — now — now we'll leave the house on the other 
side of the hedge out of it, if you don't mind. My 
northern windows haven't been opened for twenty years, 
and, what's more, they won't be opened for another 
" twenty " ! No matter how many " floods of sunshine " 
congregate outside to revive me. Now enough! 

(Men accept glasses from servant.) 

Here's to the ^//-health of the village that your prac- 
tice may be benefitted ! May the inhabitants fall victim 
to an epidemic of tedious duration, and slow recovery! 
Go! 

Chilton 
Cheerful toast! 

(Men drink.) 

(Exit Bleecker, R.) 

Well — (Setting down glass) it's about time some mal- 
ady broke loose in the hamlet, for a rival practitioner has 
cotme in town and, like the piper with his rats, is charm- 
ing all my sick folks well! 

Pendleton 
(Setting glass on table.) What? Another M. D. ? 
Heaven help the inhabitants ! Who is he ? What is he ? 
And just how dangerous is he? 

Bleecker 
She isn't a " he "—he's a " she ! " 

Pendleton 
A "she?" 

Chilton 
Yes, and a child at that! (Appears self-conscious as 
he is about to broach a very particular subject.) 

Pendleton 
A childf 



6o POLLYANNA 

Chilton 
Yes — everywhere I go, I find she's preceded me, teach- 
ing my patients what she calls " The Glad Game/' with 
the frightful results that they're all convalescing until I'm 
in danger of losing my practice, altogether ! 

Pendleton 
Heavens ! What a catastrophe ! But tell me ! What 
sort of treatment is this — er — " Glad Game ! " 

Chilton 
Don't — ask — me! {/I'ffecting annoyance.) But when 
I tell you that old Jerry Blake has quit his coughing, and 
Mrs. Winters, her groaning, and Betty Ray her com- 
plaining — my three best customers, mind you — you can 
imagine the havoc she has wrought. 

Pendleton 
Oh, but hypochondriacs, all three of them — you know 
well enough that nothing ailed a single one of 'em ! That 
it was all in their imagination ! 

Chilton 

Yes., but man alive, the " imagination " is ten times 
harder to treat than the body! Didn't you know that? 
And she's turned the trick with all of 'em, the little minx ! 
Old Blackie, the cobbler, now sings at his work, when, 
formerly, every peg was a pain. Mary Malone hasn't 
had an ache in the head since this wizard came to town — 
you know, Mary of Headache-fame ! And Mrs. 

Snow 

Pendleton 

Now — now — now {Holding up, detaining hand.) 

Don't try me too far with this miracle-worker ! I can 
understand the cure of the hypochrondriacs, and well 
believe the marvelous regeneration of the crooked cob- 
bler and the coughing cabby and Headachey Mary, J?Mf 
when it comes to Mrs. Snow — a woman who hasn't 
walked in twenty years — knocked down by a fire-truck 
that paralyzed young legs that never zifill walk again — 



f 



POLLYANNA 6i 

Chilton 
They may! They might! If some Good Samaritan 
had come forward years ago with the money to^ send her 
abroad to a famous surgeon — I've always contended she 
had a chance ! 

Pendleton 
May be!. But this child-wizard is hardly to be classed 
with a " famous surgeon," is she? 

Chilton 
In her way — yes! 

Pendleton 
She m.nst be a wonder! Has she a license? How does 
she class herself? Among the saints or the M. D.'S? 

Chilton 
M. W.'s — Miracle-workers! (Pendleton laughs.) 

Pendleton 
Humph! Modest — isn't she? Well — all — I — ask — 
IS — keep her out of my sight, please ! If there is any- 
thing on God's earth I loathe more than another, it's to 
be told — {then sac char inely!) "" things might be 
WORSE ! " Bah ! These idiots who go around with an 
everlasting grin on their faces caroling forth that they 
are thankful they can breathe or eat or walk or lie 
DOWN I want to shoot! {Savagely — stamping cane!) 
I don't WANT to breathe or eat or walk or lie down, I 
tell you — and if you bring any archangel into my castle — 

(^Reaches cane across table and pushes arm of the smiling 
Chilton) preaching such tommy-rot, I'll send you both 
to Blue Blazes! {Then, concluding!) You can't fool 
Me ! I'm on to their tricks ! It's a money-game, pure 
and simple ! What does she charge ? 

Chilton 
{Explosively.) Charge? Are you crazy? Good 
Lord! I don't suppose this baby ever had five cents to 



62 POLLYANNA 

spend all at once in her life — or ever saw a whole dol- 
lar since she was born. {Then, szueetly, leaning tozvard 
his friend, and speaking in an entirely different tone.) 
Why, Jack, old boiy — she's only a little whiff of gladness 
— this bit of humanity, like a humming-bird, flying from 
flower to flower, sucking the sweetness that she may feed 
it to others who cannot fly ! She's a breath of the Past, 
old pal — Innocence — Youth — Love — {Then, point- 
edly — and zvatching Pendleton !) " Hope — Faith — 
Charity "" — (Pendleton starts curiovtsly at those three 
words) rolled into One! She's an inspiration! a joy! 
And now that she's cured all the hypochrondriacs in the 
village and those with bodily ills, she has started on the 

CRIPPLES {Then zvickedly.) So I've invited her up 

to see you ! 

Pendleton 
The devil you have ! See me indeed ! Well — she'll 
have to unlock three padlocked gates — climb over a six- 
foot hedge— mow down a bodyguard of able-bodied men 
and bowl over some twenty-one bloodhounds to get into 
the palace of this King ! 

Chilton 

Exactly ! That's what I told her, but your bodyguards 
and padlocks and bloodhounds only delighted her. *' I'm 
glad he's so hard to reach," she chirped, " for I'll be all 
the gladder when I do meet Old King Grouch ! " 
{Chuckles.) 

Pendleton 

{Explosively.) "Old King Grouch"? (Chilton 
dodges an imaginary fist. ) The impudent little chit ! 
That's your work, Chilton. I see your nefarious hand 
in that ! You'll be compounding poison in my medicine 
next. {Hands him a cigar.) Yo'u don't deserve it, but — 
have a cigar ! 

Chilton 

{Taking cigar, laughing.) Well — y-e-s, maybe I'm 
not altogether guiltless! But when she asked me the 
name of the king who lived in this castle — {Waves hand, 
indicating this particular " castle.") 



POLLYANNA 63 

Pendleton 
(Starting.) Castle? Why — Bleeckers ghost called 
this^ — {Glances hack toward door, R.) 

Chilton 
{Lighting cigar — puffing.) I — ^I tdjld her — {Tosses 
match to receiver.) " Old King Grouch," who hadn't 
smiled in twenty years ! 

Pendleton 
Oh, you did? Well, no)w, that's what I call a nice, 
friendly reference to your best friend. After that she 
didn't show further inclination to visit me, I hope ? 

Chilton 
Didn't she ? Humph ! Why, she fairly fizzed on her 
toes with delight and declared she would be here today 
to teach you the " GLAD GAME " and make you smile ! 

Pendleton 

She will not! {Then pointing finger at Chilton.) 
And you bring her into my presence on pain of death ! 
Do YOU hear? {Disgustedly.) " The GLAD GAME " ! 
Humph ! What does she think I am, anyway ? An in- 
fant in arms? An imbecile? Classing me with Head- 
achey Mary, is she ? And Coughing Sam ? I'll put on 
a double squad of bodyguards tonight, and if that won't 
keep her out, Til call out the Reserves ! No villager has 
set foot in my grounds for twenty years, and the ice is not 
to be broken now! 

Chilton 

But she's not a ^^ villager"! Like Lochinvar, she's 
come out of the West ! But, tell me — aren't you the- least 
bit curious as to who she isf {Leans forward, tozuard 
Pendleton.) Would you like to know her name? 

Pendleton 
I — would — not! 

Chilton 
(Sitting back.) Oh, very well! But mind! If she 
does worm her way into your Royal Presence, don't^ — 



64 POLLYANNA 

blame — me ! She 's; a smile that will unlock any pad- 
lock — a voice that will bribe any bodyguard — a ''way 
zmth her " that will get her anything in life she desires — 
so — WATCH — OUT ! I wam — you — now — watch out ! 
(Flicks ashes from cigar, smiles and nods head know^ 
ingly.) 

Pendleton 

(Wondering what he can be driving at. Leans for- 
ward and peers into his friend's face.) I say— what the 
deuce are you trying to do, old man? What's your 
game? Why are you so anxious that this village-pest 
should enter the quietude of my domain and upset my 
life generally? (Chilton laughs.) And mind — if you 

— BRING — HER — HERE (Shakes warning finger at 

him.) 

Chilton 

Fear not ! Fll not bring her ! 

Pendleton 
(Sitting back with relieved sigh as if that ended it.) 
A— h ! Saved ! 

Chilton 
(Continuing.) A^c^ot/3; will bring her ! 

Pendleton 
Well, they'd better not! 

Chilton 
(Continuing.) She'll bring herself! 

Pendleton 
(Wisely! Not afraid with his '' bars and padlocks " !) 
Um — maybe she will ! 

Chilton 
(Continuing.) She's afraid of nobody! Nothing! 
And needs no assistance to reach anybody, anything, 
ANYWHERE ! I believe she could sneak into the Vatican, 
straight into the presence of His Holiness, the Pope, 
without assistance — and into his heart as well ! ( Then, 
seriously — leaning again toward Pendleton.) I — tell — 



POLLYANNA 65 

you, Pendleton — she's got me " going " ! And when a 
soured, old bachelor like Tom Chilton is lost, there's not 
much hope for even yon! 

Pendleton 
Oh, I think I could withstand her blandishments ! 
There never was a woman yet whom I couldn't resist 

Chilton 
(Interpolating.) Not one! (Stares at his friend. 
Pause. Chilton zuatches his friend narrowly.) 

Pendleton 
(Sadly. After a pause.) Yes — one! Butow/j/one! 

Chilton 
And this one's like her 

Pendleton 
(Surprised.) Like her? Great Scott, man — Bleecker 
just saw — the ghost — Why, they must be one and the 

same 

Chilton 
Sh ! (Leans toward his friend.) Tell me — the tun- 
nel- — (Points to spot, D. C.) Has it ever been walled up? 
Do you know? 

Pendleton 
The tunnel? Good heavens, man, what are you driv- 
ing at? You don't mean — — 

Chilton 
(Pointing, R., in direction of possible prying servants.) 
Sh! (Cautiously.) She's been exploring — this little 
glad thing! For today, when I told her of the padlocks 
and bod3^guards and blood-hounds that protected you 
from the outside world, she only laughed and said your 
old padlocks and bodyguards and bloodhounds couldn't 
keep her out, for she had discovered a secret passage to 
the Castle-of-her-king ! 



66 POLLYANNA 

Pendleton 
Secret passage? (Reaches out with cane and ^pushes 
back the nig that covers same.) Great heavens! Didn't 
old man Harrington ever wall up that end? 

Chilton 
How should / know when I haven't been there since 
that night twenty years ago? And all I know is what 
I've told you ! Whether or not the yO'Ungster was 
romancing, I cannot say — but if the passage hasnt been 
sealed and she's discovered it, then, as your friend and 
physician, it is my painful duty to warn you that you are 
threatened with a visitor ! 

Pendleton 
But, Great Scott ! Why has she set her heart on me ? 
I don't want her — the baggage ! Why doesn't she con- 
fine herself to her hypochondriacs and other fools and 
let ME out of it ? 

Chilton 
Because she thinks you're a " king " ! 

Pendleton 
Well ! She'll find me anything but a pleasing acquaint- 
ance — if she gets in, which she won't, for tomorrozv 
that hidden door {Points to the trap-door, D. C.) shall be 
sealed. If old Harrington was remiss, / shall not be! 
(Then, an idea.) But tell me, who in Heaven's name is 
this paragon-of-gladness, anyzuay, who can worm her- 
self into that mausoleum over the hedge ? Only the brav- 
est of the brave would ever have the courage to put up 
with the marble-hewn Polly Harrington ! 

Chilton 
{Frozvning.) Please (Puts up detaining hand.) 

Pendleton 

My God, Tom, but you're hard to understand ! Twenty 

years ago a doting old father separated you and the girl 

you loved for no reason whatsoever — and tho' the old 

fool's been dead fifteen years of the twenty, and the girl 



POLLYANNA 6j 

has, been free to call you back but has not, still you 
cherish her in your heart and won't allow even a sarcastic 
reference to this cold-blooded Puritan who has muddled 
your life and, God knows, helped to ruin mine I 

Chilton 
What has " time " to do with " love " ? Or " age " ? 
Or " CONDITIONS " ? I loved Polly Harrington twenty 
years ago and I love her today — now, — and I shall love 
her twenty years from now — and in the next world — and 
the world after that — and 

Pendleton 
Help! (Holds up hands.) Don't give us any more 
lives to live, please ! This and one more are all I can 
battle thro', if that! Constant one. 

Chilton 
Why sneer at my constancy, when, if I looked the 
world over, I could not find a man more constant than 
yourself? True, I have waited twenty years, but always 
with hope — while you haven't even had " hope " to sus- 
tain you — only a memory, and that, bitter-sweet! 

Pendleton 
{Sternly, his face drazvn as if the subject were a pain- 
ful one.) I thought this was a tabooed subject with us, 
Tom — I thought we had resolved never to speak of our 
shattered romances again ! 

Chilton 
But you started it — You opened the discussion 

Pendleton 
(Interrupting.) Then I shall close it. (Reaches across 
table and places hand over Tom's.) Ah, Tom, what 
damned old fools we've been, you and I, haven't we — 
breaking our hearts and wasting our lives over two girls 
who — who — (Voice breaks — withdraws hand, sits back 



68 POLLYANNA 

and pours himself another ''whiskey/' Now loud and 
angrily.) Damn it! Who didn't care whether we lived 
or died! (Drinks.) 

Chilton 
(Soberly.) But they did care — you know they cared. 
Why, little Charity adored you — worshipped you. 

Pendleton 
(Interrupting.) Yes — and proved it by marrying an- 
other man — and a third-rate, soul-saving itinerant mis- 
sionary at that. (Bitterly, sarcastically.) Oh, yes — she 
cared ! She must have worshipped and adored me ! For 
there's the proof ! Ha ! 

Chilton 
That's not fair of you, Jack. It was that cursed old 
tyrant of a Harrington that sent her out to that God-for- 
saken West and forced her into the soul-saving business 
and I can see how, in the awful loneliness of a mission, 
and the utter hopelessness of ever marrying you (be- 
cause of her promise to her father), she consented to 
marry this young uplifter, really for companionship and 
that their work might be carried on more easily, hand- 
in-hand I 

Pendleton 
I wish / could think that, but I can't! If only she 
hadn't married, then I could fool myself into the belief 
that / was enshrined in her heart as she was in mine. • 
Even her marriage I might forgive- — now — if I could 
bring myself to believe aia you do — that it was merely 
to ease their work in the mission-field, a marriage of con- 
venience as it were — But I cant! I can't believe it. I 
think she loved him — and forgot me! I don't think a 
girl like Charity would marry for anything but love ! My 
God! If only I had a straw to^ cling to that she still 
cared — but I haven't, and nozv that she's dead. I never 
will have ! My God ! Sometimes I almost think I hate 
her, I love her so ! 



POLLYANNA 69 

Chilton 

That's because you've sihut yourself up for twenty 
years without friends — without even a ray of sunlight to 
brighten your sunless existence, and brooded over things 
till you're obessed on the subject. What you need in 
your loneliness is. what Charity needed in her loneliness — 
companionship. That's why I suggest you receive this 
little " glad girl " that's flitting about. She'll brighten 
you up and make you glad you're sorry. That's her 
game. 

Pendleton 

Great Scott! Haven't you forgotten thatf Who the 
devil is this merry creature whom you are so bent on 
having enter my royal presence ? Tell me — who is she ? 

Chilton 

You really want to know? I thought you said you 
didnt! 

Pendleton 

But you have aroused my curiosity ! Come — she 
seems to have hypnotized you. I wish to prepare myself 
in case she makes good her threat, forces herself into my 
throne-room and wields her fascinations that I may not 
be swept off my guard! {Bends forzvard — speaks more 
gently.) So tell me ! WhO' is she? 

Chilton 
(Softly — leaning forward and putting his hand over 
that of his friend on the table.) She is 

Pendleton 
Yes? 

Chilton 
Charity's daughter ! 

Pendleton 
(Aghast.) Charity's — ^daughter? (Slozdy draurs 
back, his hand slipping from beneath that of Chilton. 
He simply stares, open-mouthed, at his friend.) You — 
you don't mean — (Pointing sharply, R.) Then it wasn't 
a '' ghost " the servants saw 



70 ' POLLYANNA 

Chilton 
(Softly.) No 



Pendleton 
(Continuing.) But — but Charity's child! 

Chilton 
Yes — Charity's child ! And, what is more, the living, 
breathing image of Charity! 

(/i't this moment, the trap door opens silently and Pol- 
LYANNA enters, quite as if by magic. Her face is 
beaming — her eyes smiling — her arms full of Uowers 
— and prettily dressed in white, unth zvhite stockings 
and black sandals, and a charming -flower-trimmed 
hat with streamers. She looks quite the little 
" fairy " and totally unlike the little patchwork lass 
of Act I.) 
■ Chilton jum^ps to his feet, astounded likewise — Pen- 
dleton, too, rises, but as if in a daze.) 

Pendleton 
(Astounded, almost believing that this is his long-lost 
szveetheart, so astounding is the resemblance.) Charity! 

Pollyanna 
(Quite un-embarrassed. Addressing Pendleton.) 
Please excuse me for not knocking — sire — (Courtseys 
low) but I was afraid you might not let me in if I warned 
you — (Then, as afterthought) Your Majesty! (Makes 
deep courtesy.) 

(Pendleton cannot speak for a moment. All he can 
see is the face of Charity — all he can hear is the 
voice of Charity — all he can think of is Charity ! 
Charity ! Charity !) 

(Chilton watches him narrowly. He has hoped the 
arrival of this little child might have a good eifect 
upon his morose friend; and awaits results. Pen- 
dleton seems to have forgotten Chilton's presence, 
having eyes only for his little guest.) 



POLLYANNA 71 

(A moment of intense silence follows the child's 
speech. Pendleton's thoughts are tzventy years 
away — Pollyanna 's wondering whether she is to 
he devoured by this " ogre,'' or just what her end 
may he. The Servant opens door, L. — Chilton 
holds up a warning finger and szviftly and silently 
goes to L. and exits. The Servant has not had a 
chance to see Pollyanna's face as her hack is 
toward him. Finally — Pendleton ruhs his hand 
across his eyes and seems to " come to " — with a 
half -smile on his face.) 



Pollyanna 
{Rapturously.) Oh, you smiled! You smiled! I'm 
so glad I came for you smiled ! {And in her ecstacy 
of delight, she whirls ahout, light as thistledown, laugh- 
ing in a childish manner.) You smiled — you smiled — 
you smjled 

Pendleton 
Stop ! 

{Immediately she stops short on one foot, quite like an 
ostrich, trying to keep her halance, and trying to 
how, at the same time.) 

Pollyanna 
Oh — please forgive me, King Grouch — {Bows and 
drazvs foot up again.) 

Pendleton 
{Testily.) Don't call me that — {She continues to 
curtsey, drawing one foot up in characteristic manner 
constantly.) And stop that bowing and scraping. I'm 
not a king, and I'm not a grouch, and I want you to quit 
standing on one foot Hke an ostrich — {Her foot shoots 
doum to earth.) And not fly around like a wood-nymph, 
nor flit about like a will-o'-th'-wisp — but humanize into 
a GIRL, and let me look at you ! {Drops into a chair, sits 
far forzvard, and peers at her.) 



^2. POLLYANNA 

POLLYANNA 

How's this? {Stiffens her legs and, dropping flowers, 
claps her hands stiffly down at her sides, as if she were 
being photographed.) 

Pendleton 
{Eager to trace each and every resemblance to his be- 
loved.) Now your side-isiCt 

(Polly ANNA turns about as if inade of wood, and 
\perinits him to gaze at her profile, at the same time 
making weird faces, and rolling her eyes in her en- 
deavor to see him.) 

Now the other side 



(PoLLYANNA again turns woodenly and puffs out her 
other cheek.) 

POLLYANNA 

Will you show me the photograph when you've taken 
it? 

{No reply — he doesn't even hear her.) 

Maybe a back view would be nice ! {Turns back but gives 
side-face.) Then the freckles won't show\ {Turns the 
side.) I hate freckles! Don't yoiif Still — Pm glad 
they're not warts ! That's some comfort ! Susie Smith 
has warts — do you know Susie Smith? Not Ethel- 
BERTA^ — ^Ethelberta 's the pretty one. And she got the 
pretty name, too ! Seems as if she drew all the pretty 
things, didn't she ? Poor Susie ! Ethelberta has dimples 
— deep ones! Like this! {Pokes her fingers in her 
cheeks to make dimples.) They say *' dimples " are 
where the angels kissed you before you were born. I 
don't know what makes warts ! Ma3^be the warts are 
tJie devil's kisses, only I don't think he 'd be that mean, 
do you? Kiss a poor little unborn baby and mar its 
beauty? I hate the devil, don't you? But I love black 
Curls j Ethelberta has black curls — the kind Pm going to 
have when I get to heaven — don't you think it'll be an 



POLLYANNA 73 

improvement when I get my curls ? Oh — of course, there 
are a lot of other things I'll need to make me cofmplete! 
Long eyelashes, and a Grecian nose — or Roman, which- 
ever it is that makes you a raving beauty — and you see 
MINE IS JUST nose! {Indicates same with finger.) And 
my face is too long or too short, I forget which ! I 
measured it like the paper said, and the width of the face 
ought to be equal to five eyes or ears or something; 
I forget what! and the width of the chin equal to some 
noses or something — I've forgotten that, too! Only 
that mine wasn't ! So you see I'm even worse off than 
I thought I was ! The trouble with me, is nothing fits ! 

Pendleton 

No? 

POLLYANNA 

No — STILL — I'm glad I've got some eyelashes and 
some nose even if they are skimpy ! Oh, I'm so sorry, 
Beautiful King — have I pained you ? Please forgive me, 
Sire. {Courtsey.) 

Pendleton 

It is nothing — I — -I'm not well. You see — I — I've a 
broken leg and 

POLLYANNA 



Oh, how lovely ! 
Lovely ? 



Pendleton 



POLLYANNA 

{Then smiling.) Why yes. It gives, you something 
so easy to be glad about. Aren't you glad it isn't your 
neck? 

Pendleton 

\iy neck? Good heavens ! 

POLLYANNA 

Why, yes — for then you'd be dead instead of just 
"shrivelled up." Then you wouldn't he alive to he glad. 

Pendleton 
Humph! If you'd been thro' the sorrow I've been 
through, you'd know there was nothing in life to be 



74 POLLYANNA 

glad about (Pendleton speaks mournfully^ and rubs 

his leg as if in pain.) Only things to make me miserable ! 

PoLLYANNA 

(Thinking him a " grunt er!") Well — anyhow, you 
can be glad you've got such a lot of things to make you 
miserable, since you seem to love being miserable so 
well ! 

Pendleton 
(Testily.) Who said I loved to be miserable? I'm 
miserable because my life's been wrecked, I'd have you 
know ! (Pounds his cane for emphasis.) 

Pollyanna 
(Thinking him fussy.) But "broken legs" aren't 
wrecks, Sire! (Courtseys.) Gracious! I almost forgot 
to bow ! You'll have to excuse me if I do forget nojw 
and then for I'm not very used to kings ! But anyway — 
as I was Siaying, I'd rather have broken legs like you 
than life-long invalids like Mrs. Snow ! Broken- 

LEGGERS get well but LIFE-LONG-INVALIDERS don't! 



Pendleton 
(Snappily.) I wasn't referring to my leg, if you 
please, Miss Jump-at-conclusions ! Sit down ! 

Pollyanna 
(Sliding into seat, and as she does so, her eyes sweep 
the room.) My/ What a perfectly elegant castle! 
You MUST BE RICH — even more richer than the kind that 
just have carpets in every room and ice-cream on Sunday. 
Of course I haven't been in all your roomsi (Bash- 
fully hoping) YET — nor eaten ice-cream here, either — 
yet! (Laughs self-consciously.) Oh, dear — children are 
so quaint, aren't they? I mind when / was a child I 
thought being rich meant when you had diamond rings 
and hired girls and sealskin sacques and silk skirts that 
swish-sfwished when you walked, and an automobile. 
Have you got all those Mr. — I mean. Sire? (Bows.) 



POLLYANNA 75 

Pendleton 

{Dazedly — as if he hardly heard this running fire.) 
Why, yes — I — I suppose I have. 

POLLYANNA 

Then you are rich ! That settles it ! My Aunt Polly 
has them, too, only her automohile is a horse. She says 
S(he would like to have a car if she could have the only 
one in the world so there wouldn't be any to run into 
her! Ha! {Gives funny little laughing grunt.) But, 
c^f course, it wouldn't be fair to ask everybody to give 
up theirs just to please Aunt Polly. Would it? 

Pendleton 
Well— hardly ! 

POLLYANNA 

Dr. Chilton has an automobile — a new one. And so 
have all the other five doctors in town new ones. 
{Shakes head over prospective smash-ups !) It's a good 
thing time heals all wounds, isn't it? 

Pendleton 

{Not referring to the automobiles — hut to his oiun 
heart-injury. Speaks sadly.) Yes — only "time" 
doesnt heal all wounds ! Not all ! 

PoLLYANNA 

{Alarmed at his seriousness and sad tones.) Why, 
Your Majesty ! {Courtseys spasmodically but not taking 
eyes from his face. ) You — you look ill ! Have I hurt 
you? 

Pendleton 

No — it's- — it's an old " hurt ! " One that time hasn't 
HEALED — ^—{Presses hand to head and rubs it across 
eyes as if a mist or a tear blinded him.) Come closer, 
little one — there's a mist over my eyes. I — I can't see 
you! 

POLLYANNA 

No wonder, sir — it's dark in here with only candles ! 
Wait — I will open the window and let in the golden sun- 



^6 POLLYANNA 

shine ! {Skips to window and throws open the shutters, 
letting in a flood of sunlight. The Prisms on the candle 
standing on cabinet at R. of window catches the light 
and throws a '' rainbozv/' Catches sight of the "rain- 
bow!'' Oh! a rainbow! Do yO;tii know what a rain- 
bow means? It is God's promise to his beloved that we 
shall have whatever we want, or shall not have what we 

do not want, whichever it is,'. See (Snatches up the 

candle and holds it in the light when it casts a larger, 
brighter rainbow directly upon Pendleton.) It is your 
rainbow — and God is promising you ! Promising you, 
you shall have no more sorrow ! Look ! — Violet — that 
means happiness ! Orange — orange means hope ! Red 
— ^promises laughter ! Blue— promises^ peace ! Green — 
promises joy! That's what the sunshine means — my 
father told me. The rainbow is there if only we'll take 
the trouble to hold up the prism ! he said, that's what's 
the matter with the world. He used to say — they see only 
their shadows in the sunlight, while if they held up their 

hand (Holds candle high, and turning it about, 

thereby whirling the gay colors over the room) happiness 
and hope — laughter and peace — contentment and joy un- 
told would be their's ! That's what it means when they 
say "happiness" is "within!'' For it is! Because you 
keep the shutters closed doesn't mean that the sun isn't 
shining! And because you don't hold the prism up, 
doesn't mean the colors aren't there ! See — I shall set 
the candle in the window so that you will not have the 
heart to close the shutters and forget God's promise. 
(Places the candle in the windozv — the " Rainbozv " still 

in evidence.) Oh — forgive me, Your Majesty (Court- 

seys low.) 

Pendleton 
(Not courtly — yet unsmilingly.) I'm not " Your Maj- 
esty^' — I'm only — a — man! 

Pollyanna 
(Rushing toward him.) Oh, please don't be only a 
man, sir! Make believe you're a King even if you're not 
one, for then / can make believe, too, you are my King — 



POLLYANNA ^^ 

the King that I pray for every night and morning — the 
King my angel-mother told me of — the King of her 
fair-y-tale ! 

Pendleton 
{Dreamily — leaning forward.) The story — your 
mother — told you of 

POLLYANNA 

Yes! Would you like to hear it? (Then, feeling that 
the ice is broken, and that they are to be friends, goes to 
him szi'eetly.) It's a beautiful story — about a Princess — 
and King — ^and love! Do you want to hear it? Shall I 
tell it you, my KiNcf 

Pendleton 

(Softly, nodding head.) If — if you wish! 

POLLYANNA 

Oh, I'm so glad! (Flops at his feet.) And I'm soi 
glad I came^and so glad we're to be friends — and so 
glad I like you — why — we're beginning to play the game 
already, aren't we ? 

Pendleton 

Never mind about the " game ! " The fairy-tale ! The 
fairy-tale ! 

Pollyanna 

Well — (Swallows hard and starts oif impressively.) 
Once — upon — a — time 

Pendleton 

(Putting out detaining hand.) Wait! Is this a true 
story ? 

Pollyanna 

It's mostly true, sire — that's always what my mother 
said when I asked ! Well, anyway, once upon a time 
there wa:s a Princess who loved a King and he loved her! 
Their casitles were not far apart — only a stone wall and 

a prickly hedge between. You know (Points, U. C. 

tozvard zvindow.) Like Aunt Polly's house and your 
castle. But the Princess' father didn't approve of the 
King as a suitor for his daughter's hand — ("suitor" 
means when you want to marry a girl, you know) — and 



78 POLLYANNA 

when the King came a-wooing, he shut the door in the 
poor Kings' face ! And — that his daughter might not see 
the King when she went abroad — {''Abroad'' means 
'' about " in fairy-tales, you know, about anyzvhere, to 
church or the post-ofhce or the grocery-store or any- 
zvhere!) 

Pendleton 
(Quoting her.) Yes, yes! Go^ on! Go on! When 
the Princess went about 

POLLYANNA 

Well — when the Princess went about, a zuitch went 
with her — to guard her and make sure the beautiful King 
might not approach (you knoznf what ''approach'' 
means f) (Looks up at him.) It means tq "come 

near " 

Pendleton 

Yes, / know ! Go on ! 

POLLYANNA 

Well — one day he passed by his loved one's side, up 
CLOSE, and thrust a note in her hand in which he begged 
her to elope ; and, if zi^illing, to give him a secret sig- 
nal 

Pendleton 

Two candles in the window instead or one 



POLLYANNA 

Why, your Majesty — Do you know this story, toof 

Pendleton 
I — I have heard it somewhere, I think, but — er — go 
on! He begged her to run away 

Pollyanna 
Yes, and the Princess loved the King so much that she 
was willing to run, so she placed the candles in the win- 
dow and the next time the King passed up close, he thrust 
another note in her hand, saying he had had a secret 
passage dug from his castle to hers — and for her to sag- 



POLLYANNA 79 

nal the first good oppoirtunity to escape ! So she waited 
and waited and one night a great fire broke out in the 

village 

Pendleton 
The post-office burned down 



PoLLYANNA 

Why, it is the same story, after all ! 

Pendleton 
Yes, it — it is — the same story — after — all ! And 
then ? 

POLLYANNA 

Well — and then — just as the Princess was ready to be 
whisked off to happiness, they were discovered, and she 
was snatched from her dear King's arms just as they were 
disappearing in the tunnel ! 

(Pendleton groans and for a brief second puts his 
hands over his eyes as if trying to put out of his 
sight even the mental- picture of his sad experience 
that night.) 

(Pollyanna hears groan and looks u\p as he places 
hands over eyes.) 
It is a sad story, isn't it. Your Majesty? 

(Drazvs azvay his hands.) 

Why — there are tears in your eyes ! That was just 
where my angel-mother used to weep when she told me 
the story! 

Pendleton 
(Quickly, almost savagely.) You mean that? She — 
she WEPT? 

Pollyanna 
Always ! Sometimes she could hardly go on, it hurt 
her so ! 

Pendleton 
Oh, Pollyanna ! Pollyanna ! {Seizes her hand savagely 
— then drops it.) But go on! After that what hap- 
pened? That's what Fve always wanted to know — what 



8o POLLYANNA 

happened to the Princess afterward! My story ended 
there — when she was torn from her King! 

POLLYANNA 

Well — after that the cruel father sent the heartbroken 
Princess far away where she could never see her beauti- 
ful King any more! Then her father died, leaving her a 
message that she had killed him by her conduct and that 
she must expiate her sin — expiate means '' wash away " 
— " redeem " — she must expiate her sin by going into 
the church and bringing souls to Christ ! 

Pendleton 
And she obeyed! 

Polly ANN A 
Yes, tho' she never ceased to love her beautiful 
King 

Pendleton 
(Savagely.) You m^aw that? You're ^wr^f 

POLLYANNA 

Oh, indeed I am, for she prayed for him every night 
of her hfe ! 

Pendleton 

(Aghast.) Prayed for him? Afterward?, Even 
after she'd married another man? 

POLLYANNA 

(Aghast.) Married another man? Why, Mr. 
King, did the Princess in your story marry another man, 
toof 

Pendleton 

(Nervously.) Yes, yes. But tell me! Did she? Did 
she pray for her King? 

POLLYANNA 

Every night and morning and through the day-^and 
when her little child was born, it had blue eyes — did 
yoiir Princess' little baby have blue eyes? 



POLLYANNA 8i 

Pendleton 
(Sadly.) My little Princess had no little baby. She 
died and the King died the night the cruel father tore 
them apart ! 

POLLYANNA 

(Quickly.) Oh — -mine didn't! So it couldn't have 
been the same story, after all ! Years and years after- 
ward, my Princess' little baby came into the world with 
blue eyes, and nobody knew where they could have come 
from, for their were no blue eyes on either side of the 
family ! But the Princess knew ! She called them 
" Memory-Eyes," for they were the eyes of her beautiful 
King — the King she never ceased to love ! 

Pendleton 
( Eagerly— nervously — smilingly. ) Really ? Really ? 

Pollyanna 
Yes — and my eyes are blue too — and my mother always 
called them " Memory-Eyes," after the little baby in the 
fairy-tale. Look ! (Puts her hands to her eyes and leans 
up to him that he may see her " eyes! ") 

Pendleton 
(Placing his hands on either side of the eager little 
face, and peering into her eyes.) Let me see! (Hap- 
pily.) They are! They are blue! Like mine! ' Oh, 
Pollyanna, you're sure the Princess never forgot her 
King! 

Pollyanna 
'' Nqt till her dying day," my mother told me. Nor 
did my mother forget him, either, even tho' he was only 
a King in a fairy-tale ! Why, the last thing she said to 
me before she died was^ — to pray for him ! And I do, 
every night, and ask Jesus to make him GLAD — GLAD ! 
(The last few words spoken rapturously.) 

Pendleton 
(Sweetly, with note of ecstasy in voice.) And He has 
heard your prayer, at last ! For nozv he is glad that 
the bitterness, caused by what he believed the fickleness 



82 POLLYANNA 

of his Princess has been washed away ! He's glad that 
his lovely Princess loved him to the end, when he had 
suffered, thinking she had ceased to care ! But he under- 
stands now, little Memory-eyes — my little Memory- 
Eyes — (Raising her hand to his lips reverently.) 

POLLYANNA 

(Drawing back timidly.) Why — I — don't understand, 
Your Majesty ! I am not the real Memory-Eyes ! 

Pendleton 

Oh, yes, you are (Softly.) More than you know 

or dreamj (Raises cane and points to mall, U. R. C.) 
Go to the wall there, if you will — little one 

POLLYANNA 

Yes, dear King (Rises and goes swiftly, U. R. C.) 

Pendleton 
(Still pointing.) And place your finger on the carved 
leaf in the corner of that panel, at your right ! 

POLLYANNA 

(Rushing and pointing to spot.) This one, sire? 

Pendleton 
Yes. Press hard. 

(She pressed hard and instantly the panel slides back, 
revealing an oil portrait of a beautiful girl of per- 
haps eighteen or twenty, whose face is the exact 
replica of Pollyanna's.) 

(For a moment P'ollyanna stands, mute with aston- 
ishment. Then — when the wonderment of the mir- 
acle has \passed, she recognizes her own beautiful 
mother.) 

POLLYANNA 

Oh, mother, mother, my own darling mother ! (Drops 
on knees before portrait, holding out appealing arms to 
the picture as she cries out the sorrow and loneliness of 



POLLYANNA 83 

her starved little heart.) Come back to me — nobody loves 
me — nobody wants me — I try to be glad, but Oh, Mother 
dear — I want to be zuanted — I want to be loved — please 
— come — back !- Please ! 

(Sobs. Pendleton forgets his lameness, jumps up, 
and strides, limping towards the sobbing little girl. 
He lifts her with fatherly gentleness and holds the 
motherless, heart-hungry, loveless, brave little " un- 
wanted " creature close to his own lonely heart — 
and a wave of sympathy surges over him as he real- 
izes the pathos of the situation. His heart that had 
steeled itself against all sentiment and tenderness 
for tzventy years now gives of its pent-up store to 
a child he has known less than a quarter of an hour.) 

Pendleton 

(Seats her on corner of table, yet still with his arms 
about her, and peering down into the tear-stained face.) 
Now do you understand, little girl? The fairy-tale you 
have just told me is a true story. / am that " King," and 
your beautiful mother the " Princess " I loved ; and you, 
YOU, dear heart, are little " Memory-eyes," who have 
prayed for my happiness all these years — and who have 
brought into my life the first ray of sunshine since my 
adored Princess was stolen from my arms — and made me 
GLAD ! My little '' Prism-oiV/ " — shining with the rain- 
bow of her happiness, upon my lonely heart! (Holds 
her head against his heart.) My little Memory-Eyes — 
Mine! Mine! 

Pollyanna 

(Astounded.) After all — somebody cares! Then — 
then you're GLAD? 

Pendleton 
GLAD? Pm the gladdest man in all — the — 
WORLD ! And I didn't think it possible in my loneliness ! 

Pollyanna 
Loneliness? Then you're lonely? 



84 POLLYANNA * 

Pendleton 
Desperately ! Hungrily ! • I have needed a woman's 
hand and a child's presence all these years ! 

POLLYANNA 

{Repeating his words to herself.) A woman's hand — 
(Gases down at her own outspread little hand and real- 
ises that it is too small to answer.) A child's pres- 
ence — (Her eyes brighten.) Why — I — I am a child — 
would / do ? Would you like to have me ? ( Then, realiz- 
ing hozv splendid it would he to stay somewhere zvhere 
she would he ^^ wanted!' ) Oh, beautiful King, beauti- 
ful King, let me be your child's presence ! " Let me 
stay with you — please ! Please ! 

Pendleton 
(Tenderly.) You would like to stay in my castle and 
be my little girl? 

POLLYANNA 

(Excitedly.) Oh, I would! I wo|uld! I would be 
GLAD ! And yoii would be GLAD ! And everybody 
would be GLAD — most of all. Aunt Polly. 

Pendleton 
No — I'm afraid she would never permit it! 

POLLYANNA 

Oh, but she would ! She doesn't like dogs or cats — 
or children, and she doesn't zvant me, she told me so ! 

Pendleton 
(Appalled at the cruelty.) Told you so? Told you 
she didn't want you? 

POLLYANNA 

Yes — it was best that we understand each other, she 
said. And I have tried to win her love but some way 
she doesn't need a child's presence, so she will be GLAD 
to have you have me. Oh, beautiful King, it's terribly 
hard to feel glad when you're not wanted — you can do it, 
BUT — it's — hard ! 



POLLYANNA 85 

Pendleton^ 
(Caressing her.) Oh, you poor little motherless thing 
— with your Spartan spirit and courageous heart, your 
beautiful face and lovely soul — think of anybody not 
wanting yo^i! 

POLLYANNA 

(Eagerly.) Then you do' want me? 

Pendleton 
Want you? Oh, if you only knew hozv much! By 
all the lav/s of love you should have been my little girl ! 

POLLYANNA 

You MEAN it? Really? Really? 

Pendleton 
(With feeling.) From the bottom of my lonely heart 
— from the very depths of my soul ! Oh, Pollyanna, as 
sure as there is a God in heaven. He has sent you to me — 
to piece out the rest of my wasted life ! You will 
STAY ? Promise ! Promi&e ! 

Pollyanna 
(Eagerly.) Oh, I will! I will! Not only do I want 
to stay but even if I didn't it would be my duty! My 
mission ! Maybe that's why God took my father to 
heaven so I could be sent to make you glad. (Then 
rapturously, pressing his hand against her cheek.) Oh, 
Fm so glad it was a true story and Fm so GLAD — you 
— ARE — MY — BEAUTIFUL — KiNG ! Wait ! (Darts azuay 
from him.) Fll go tell Aunt Polly and fetch my clothes ! 
(Turns and \points at the portrait, and speaks with much 
szveetness and reverence.) See! She smiles! (Drazus 
his sleeve — he turns and looks at portrait.) She is glad 
I am coming to you — who knows — maybe all heaven is 
rejoicing! (Then, throzmng a kiss to the portrait.) 

Goodbye, beautiful Princess (Then courtseying lozv.) 

Goodbye, my beautiful King 

Pendleton 
Goodbye, my Memory-Eyes 



86 POLLYANNA 

POLLYANNA ^ 

{Darting excitedly to door, U . C, talking as she runs.) 

ril be back in a minute, Your Majesty (Turns knob 

zvith one hand, holds up zvarning finger with the other.) 
Now — you — WAIT ! You — wait ! 

(Exits swiftly, with little ripple of laughter. Outer 
door heard to close.) 

Pendleton 
(With much feeling — holding out his arms to portrait.) 
Oh,, Charity, forgive me for doubting you — after all you 
cared — after all — you — cared! (Touches button and 
watches the picture slide slowly out of sight.) After — 
all cared ! 

Pollyanna's Voice 
(Off U. C. calling.) Beautiful King! 

(Pendleton tu^iis quickly, steps to zvindow and waves 
as he sees her in the distance. As he stands there in 
the path pf the Prisms, the gay '' rainbomi" bathes 
him in its riot of color.) 

(Enter Chilton, R. silently. He stops short at the 
sight of Pendleton smilingly waving out of a win- 
dow which '' hasnt been opened for twenty years 
and won't be opened for twenty more.") 

(Pendleton turns from window, smilingly.) 

Chilton 
(As if just entering.) Well? Did she play her 
" game " ? 

Pendleton 
Yes — she played — and zvon! (Returns to his chair.) 

Chilton 
(Laughingly as he saunters toward his chair.) Played 
and won, eh? Then Fm to take from that, am I, that 
Pollyanna, M. W., has robbed me, M. D., of another 
high-priced patient? 



POLLYANNA 87 

Pendleton 
Yes — she has indeed robbed you of your patient and, 
what is more, she has effected a permanent cure — a cure 
beyond mere medical skill, for my ailment was a sick- 
ness of the soul. No wonder the town has gone wild 
over her. And she is a miracle-worker — See ! Has she 
not made a different man of me ? In twenty seconds she 
upset the traditions of twenty years ! Look at that win- 
dow — see the sunlight — and look at me ! Would you 
have known me? Am I not a different man? {Then 
ecstatically.) Think of it, Tom, she loved me! Charity 
LOVED me — to the end, and prayed for me ! My God ! If 
I'd only known ! If — I'd — only known ! If — I'd — only 
— rknown ! {Covers face mith hands — transition.) And 
now SHE comes — Pollyanna ! Her little girl — my little 
girl ! Why, it's almost like living again and having 
Charity back ! The same eager face — The same winning 
smile — And Charity's winsome, witching ways^ — Oh, 
Tom, I must have her ! I must ! I must ! 

Chilton 

{Astoimded at this.) You — you — want^ — Polly- 
anna? 

Pendleton 

Want her ? How can you ask it with her mother's 
face and golden voice? I will adopt her — make her my 
heiress — I should have been her father — look at those 
eyes ! and now that her parents are dead — I have a right 
to her! (Chilton shakes head solemnly. It is an im- 
possible thing to hope.) Don't shake your head 

Chilton 
Impossible ! Impossible ! 

Pendleton 
No ! It's not impossible ! All things are possible ! 
Why, it means life to me, Tom, old man! That child 
about my house. That little face (Charity's own little 
face) looking up into mine will make a man of me ! And 
with the help of God — her God — P'ollyanna's God — 
the God I have denied for twenty years,' I'll amount to 



88 POLLYANNA 

something — fill a niche worthy of a Pendleton — fulMl 
my mission, whatever it may be! (Almost pleadingly.) 
Help me, old chap! Help me fight for her! I can count 
on you? 

Chilton 
But it's hopeless — you know that and I know it! Do 
you think for one moment that Polly Harrington would 
give up her own flesh and blood, least of all to a man 
she has not spoken to for twenty years? 

Pendleton 
But she doesn't ivant the child. Pollyanna said so ! 
Think of the cruelty of that — telling the lonely little heart 
she wasn't wanted ! But / want her — and Fm going to 
have her if I have to kidnap her ! 

Chilton 
Be sensible ! You will never be able to get her away 
from her aunt — why, I doubt if she will even permit her 
to come to see you, once she is aware of this visit ! No, 
Jack — be satisfied with an occasional glimpse of the little 
one — but, once that Polly Harrington knowS' of this 
visit — I doubt if the child ever enters that door again ! 
(Points to door, U. C. Chimes heard ringing oif. Im- 
mediately the Servant opens door, U. C.) 

Bleecker 
(Announcing with dignity.) Miss Pollyanna Whit- 
tier ! 

Pendleton and Chilton 
(Astounded. ) Pollyanna ? 

(Enter Pollyanna, now wearing cape over her frock 
and carrying innumerable baskets and boxes.. Court- 
seys — boxes and all.) 

Pollyanna 
(Brightly.) Well — Pve moved ! 

Chilton 
Moved ? 



POLLYANNA 89 

Pendleton 
{Eagerly.) You mean — you've come — to stay? It's 
all settled ? Your aunt is willing ? 

POLLYANNA 

She wasn't there to ask, but Nancy was willing! 



Nancy ! 
Nancy who? 



Chilton 
Pendleton 



POLLYANNA 

Nancy nobody! She hasn't any other name — jiist plain 
" Nancy ! " She thought it would be a good thing all 
round, she did, she did ! And she'll bring the rest of my 
things over when you call off your dogs ! ( Then, sweetly, 
glancing about.) Oh, isn't it lovely? Isn't it beautiful? 
It's just like a fairy-tale, isn't it? And I'm the enchanted 
Princess in the wonderful castle! {Then dropping lug- 
gage, throws her arms about Pendleton's neck, ex- 
claiming.) Oh, Beautiful King — do you know what I 
think ? I heard chimes ringing in the sky as I came over ; 
and I think that Mother has told God and the angels and 
that all heaven is rejoicing that I've found — some one — 
who cares ! 



CURTAIN 



ACT III 

PLACE. TIME. DISCOVERED 

Same as Act II. An hour later. At rise of curtain Pol- 
LYANNA and Pendleton and Chilton are discovered 
having tea together at a small portable tea-table, D. C. 
R. The chair in zvhich Pendleton sat in Act II, at 
R. of table, has been drawn back; and the settee that 
was drawn diagonally before iire-place has been drawn, 
U. L., so that the tea-table does not appear crowded. 
Pendleton sits R. of tea-table and Pollyanna, U., 
both laughing and chatting and having a merry time. 
Pendleton wears a crown made of gilt paper and 
Pollyanna wears a gay sash tied diagonally across 
her breast in royal fashion and a '' lace curtain " for 
a " court-train." Chilton, too, sitting at L. of table, 
wears a royal sash arid is enjoying himself hugely. 
Before and at rise of curtain the three are heard to 
laugh heartily. Curtain rises, disclosing Pollyanna 
handing a cup of tea to Pendleton. 

Pollyanna 
Well? And then what, Your Majesty? 

Pendleton 
And then? Well^ — and then 



Chilton 
{Taking up the tale.) And then — they got married 
and lived happily ever after. That's the end of all fables, 
isn't it? 

Pendleton 
Fables. You choose your words with much nicety, 
Friend Thomas ! How comes it you know so well the 
moods of the marriage-state and you so limited in expe- 
rience ? 

90 



POLLYANNA 91 

Chilton 
Who knows ? By intuition, perhaps ! Or divination, 
may be! Or, perchance, I may have been a jolly benedict 
in some previous existence! 

POLLYANNA 

Some previous existence? Why — maybe that's 
where I have seen your face before — in some previous 
existence ! 

Chilton 

Very likely 

Pendleton 
Yes, or the Rogue's Gallery ! 

Chilton 
Or the Hall of Fame ! 

POLLYANNA 

(Dreamily, as if trying to recall time and place). 
N — o, Pve never been to either of those places ! It — 
it must have been in some '' previous existence ! " 

Chilton 
(Gaily.) Hooray! Do you hear. Victorious Rival? 
You have cut me o\it in this world with " Her Little 
Highness," but don't forget she and I were friends in 
another world you didn't even inhabit! 

Pendleton 
It's not true, is it, Pollyanna? I've been in all your 
worlds, haven't I, dear? (Pats her hand.) 

Pollyanna 
But I never saw yoti, Beautiful King, before today! 
But Dr. Chilton — why, the first time I met him, at Mrs. 
Snow's, I knew I had seen his face before. Didn't I, Dr. 
Chilton? 

Chilton 
(Pompously.) You did, indeed, Your Highness! 
(Then to Pendleton). Hear that, Envious One? 



92 POLLYANNA 

POLLYANNA 

(Continuing on subject.) It — it bothered me! 

Pendleton 
Ha! I don't wonder! That face would bother most 
anybody ! 

POLLYANNA 

(A mild reproof.) Oh, Beautiful King! (All laugh.) 

Chilton 
Yes — isnt that a nice way to speak to your physician 
after saving your life ! 

Pendleton 
You save my life? Don't flatter yourself! It was a 
little child that threw me the life-line, God bless her! 
{Leans forward and caresses her hand.) 

(Enter Bleecker, U. C. solemnly.) 

Bleecker 
Beg pardon, sir, but there's a very persistent female 
at the door who insists she has business with the " King ! " 
Hi don't understand, sir 

POLLYANNA 

(Jumping up excitedly.) Oh, I do! I do ! (Men 
rise.) It's Nancy — with my things ! Please let her in, 
Bleecker — she's my best friend ! 

(Enter Nancy, pushing past the disgusted Bleecker, 
turning and scowling at him as she comes in, mutter- 
ing her indignation over his trying to keep her out.) 

Nancy 
(Entering zvith basket, and scozvling at the Servant 
as she speaks.) Shure Oi'll come in, Oi will ! Oi will ! 
It would take more than the loikes of a British blighter 
to kape me out! Faith an' you're no gintleman wid all 
your good clothes ! Shame on ye ! Oi'll tell the King on 



POLLYANNA 93 

ye, Oi will, an' ye'll lose your job! (Drazvs hand back 
as if to strike him.) Oi'm a lady, Oi am — now no back 

TALK 

POLLYANNA 

Oh, Nancy! Nancy! (Nancy ttirns about and sees 
the royal-appearing trio for the Urst time.) Isn't this a 
beautiful castle? See? {Indicates the sash.) I'm a 

regular princess 

Nancy 

{Smiling indulgently at her " \pet.") God bless an' 
save ye, ye darlint ! 

Pollyanna 

{Indicating the " crowned '' King in his royal-appear- 
ing dressing- gown.) And here is His Majesty, the 
King ! 

Pendleton 

How do you do? 

Nancy 

{Quite flabbergasted — courtseys awkzuardly, her arms 
full of Pollyanna's things.) Och, an' it's just the same 
as bein' praysinted at Court, isn't it, Pollyanna? {Ob- 
serves the Servant still in doorway, making very slow 
exit.) Well, an' what are ye afther waitin' for, out 
wid yez ! Ye're not one o' the Royal Family! {Raises 
hands threateningly, then turns to Pendleton.) Faith 
an' ye'd better be afthei* gettin' a noo doorman, Your 
Majesty — Oi don't loike the face of this one, nor the 
ways of him. If ye expect me to wurruk for yez, ye'll 
have to be afther firin' the ould stiff! {Then, seeing that 
Bleecker is peeping in, she raises hand again.) Ye 

cockney loafer {Door closes securely.) Humph! 

Ye'd better be goin', or be jabbers 

Pollyanna 
{Trying to calm her down.) You brought my things? 

Nancy 
Shure, darlin' lassie, pride-o'-me-heart ! {Sets one bas- 
ket down and raises cover of other.) Fresh-ironed, your 



94 POLLYANNA 

little things, an' as pure an' white as your angel-heart is 
white and pure! (Then to Pendleton.) Oh, Mr. King, 
be koind to the lammie — niver give her a cross wurrud 
or an angry look ! Just love and shmiles ! If ye do, sir, 
may the saints love ye an' bless ye, an' if ye don't — may 
the divil get ye, is the wish an' prayer of Nancy Moran ! 
An' Oi don't care how quick! (Then cuddling Polly- 
anna.) She's an angel, sir, shure as loife an' death, an' 
she's cured me of me cuss-words — (Doors, U. C. squeaks 
— she turns as quick as a flash and sees Bleecker peep- 
ing and eavesdroipping. She raises Ust wildly.) To hell 
wid jez, ye " 'avesdropper" — (Door hangs to with a 
bang.) 

PoLLYANNA 

(Softly reprimanding her for her language.) Oh, 

Nancy 

Nancy 
(Clapping hand to mouth as she catches herself 
''swearing.'') Forgive me, darlint — it slipped out, it did, 
it did ! But wid that divil of a butler 



POLLYANNA 



Please, Nancy- 



Nancy 
(To Pendleton.) See that, sir? See how she twists 
me about her finger, sir, an' me that full of cuss-words 
Oi'm about to bust? (Stoops and hugs child.) Oh, ye 
WILL be good to her, won't ye, Misther King? If ye do, 
Oi will pray for yez loike sin, an' if ye don't the flag on 
YOUR castle will fly at half-mast, an' don't ye forget it! 
(Shakes fist.) 

Pendleton 
I will, Nancy 

Nancy 
(Holding up hand.) Shwear! 

Pendleton 
(Raising hand.) I swear ! 



POLLYANNA 95 

Nancy 
Then goodbye, darlint, queen-of-me-sowl — Oi must 
run home now an' see the happiness of Miss Polly when 
she knows ye're gone! (Kisses Pollyanna's hrozi}.) 
Goodbye, Pollyanna — it will be loike a funeral in that 
awful house — {Wipes away the tears.) See? Oi wape 
(weep) for mesilf tho' Oi'm glad for you — Star of the 
mornin' — Queen of heaven an' earth — {Weeps aloud.) 

Pollyanna 
{Throwing arms about her neck.) Oh, Nancy ! Nancy ! 
You mustn't weep — you must be GLAD ! GLAD that 
the King wants me^GLAD that Aunt Polly is rid of me 
— and GLAD for me now that I've found som-e one who 
cares! 

{Dogs off, U. C, set up terrific howl. All listen, as- 
tonished.) 

Nancy 
{Rushing to window.) Oi hope they've torn that im- 
pudent butler limb from limb — {Sees the cause of the 
trouble.) Howly Mother! If it ain't Miss Polly, 
tearing up like mad! Let me out — let me out — {Dashes 
to door, R.) The saints preserve me! {Then to Polly- 
anna as door bell rings off, U. C.) Don't tell her Oi 
helped yez. Or Oi'll be fired ! 

{Exits swiftly, R.) 

{Enter Bleecker, U . C.) 

Bleecker 
Miss Polly Harrington 

{All are breathless with suspense. Enter Miss Polly, 
excitedly — dressed for the street. Her cheeks are 
flaming with anger, and she loses no time in speak- 
ing her mind. Pendleton stands at R. of table. 
Chilton at L. of table. . Pollyanna stands at unn- 



96^ POLLYANNA 

dow where she has rushed upon hearing that her 
aunt zvas in sight.) 
(Miss Polly does not see Pollyanna upon her en- 
trance — hiit her eye catches sight of the two m^en to 
whom she bows frigidly, as she begins her tirade.) 

Pendleton 
How do you do, Miss Harrington^ 



Miss Polly 
How do you do ! Where is my niece, Mr. Pendleton ? 
I have just been informed 

Pollyanna 
(Brightly.) Here I am, Aunt Polly — (Comes toward 
her.) 

Pendleton 
Will you be seated ? 

•* 
(Chilton places chair for her politely.) 

Miss Polly 
(Inclining her head coldly toward Chilton.) No, I 
thank you ! Pollyanna, what does this mean ? How 
comes it that I cannot leave home even to attend the 
Ladies' Aid without finding you up to some mad es- 
capade during my absence! Come home at once! 

Pollyanna 
But I am at home. Aunt Polly. I've moved here ! 

Miss Polly 
(Aghast.) Moved here? Are you quite mad? 

Pollyanna 
But it's true — ask Dr. Chilton. He'll tell you ! ( Then 
indicating Pendleton, and going to him and leaning 
against him innocently.) He wants me — the beautiful 
King ! And he needs a woman's hand and a child's pres- 
ence ! And YOU DON^T want me. Aunt Polly, so it'll be 
perfectly splendid all 'round! 



POLLYANNA 97 

Miss Polly 
(Humiliated and angry at her words.) What are you 
talking about ? Stop this argument and come with me^^ 
(Steps forward and, taking child's hand, endeavors to 
lead her away from Pendleton.) I'm sorry if she has 
annoyed you, Mr. Pendleton 

Pendleton 
On the contrary — she has given me great joy! And 
ifs my fault, Miss Polly, about her remaining here. I 
asked her to come ! I want her ! You know why — be- 
cause she is Charity's little girl, and so like her ! Please 
let me keep her ! Let me adopt her, I will 

(About to say he will make her his heiress, etc., hut is 
interrupted.) 

Miss Polly 
(Aghast.) Adopt HER? Adopt my niece? My own 
flesh and blood? Good heavens! Are you mad, too? 
(Frigidly, drazving the unzvilling child away from him.) 
Certainly not, Mr. Pendleton ! Come, Pollyanna ! 

Pendleton 
But she's like a flower — a sensitive plant — and needs 
warmth and love if she's to thrive — and you don't want 
her — she told me, herself 

Miss Polly 
(Infuriated.) She told you that I didn't want 
her? (Astonished — drawing Pollyanna's hand 
roughly and peering into the child's face.) Pollyanna — 
what do you mean by telling such an untruth? 

Pollyanna 

(Astonished. Miss Polly had told her the Urst day 

that she hadnt wanted her, hut had merely taken her 

into her home out of duty.) Untruth? Then — ^then 

you've changed?. And you do zvant me? (Eagerly.) 

You MEAN it? 



98 POLLYANNA 

Miss Polly 
Certainly I want you — such a question ! 

POLLYANNA 

(Dashing tO' her aunt and hugging her with all her 
might in her ecstacy.) Oh, Aunt Polly! Pm so GLAD ! 
So GLAD ! At last you want me — at last — you — 
WANT — me! {This violeiice causes Miss Polly's locket 
to become detached — it drops to floor.) Oh — your 
locket! (Pollyanna stoops and picks tip the opened 
locket. As it lies open in her hand, she smiles over at 
Chilton.) Oh ! Now I know where Pve seen your 
face before, Dr. Chilton — in Aunt Polly's locket! 
See? {Holds it up toward him — he takes it just as the 
gasping Miss Polly is alive to the situation.) 

(The next three speeches are spoken almost simul- 
taneously.) 

Chilton : What's that ? 
Pendleton : Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! 
Miss Polly : Pollyanna ! 

Chilton 
{Taking locket.) You mean it? 

Miss Polly 
It's not true! {Tries to snatch locket from Pollyanna 
before he gets it.) Pollyanna — give it to me ! 

Chilton 
{Holding it tight.) But I have a right to see it if 



Miss Polly 
{Holding out hand tozmrd him and demanding it.) 
There are no " if ! " A child's imagination can find re- 
semblances ANYwhere — EVERYwhere ! 

Chilton 
{Keeping the locket from her.) But if it's only a 
child's imagination why do you refuse to let me see it? 



POLLYANNA 99 

Miss Polly 
Because I am not accustomed to having my word 
doubted or my assertions put to the proof ! I insist upon 
you giving it to me ! 

Chilton 
Just ONE GLANCE WITHIN is all I ask ! 

Miss Polly 
No! 

Chilton 
Then it must be my picture or you would not object! 

Miss Polly 
Don't flatter yourself ! 

Chilton 
Flatter myself ? You speak mildly. Why, if I thought 
you had worn my picture next your heart for twenty 
years, I'd be as proud as a king! (Then coaxing tone.) 
Just — ONE — look ? 

Miss Polly 
(Angrily.) No! (Pushes hand toward locket.) 

Chilton 

Oh — very well, then (Opens hand and permits her 

to take locket.) I'm sorry 

Miss Polly 
(Coldly.) I thank you. Come, Pollyanna ! (Turns, 
U. C. toward door.) 

Pollyanna 
(Rushes to him and throws her arm around his neck.) 
Goodbye, my Beautiful King — please don't be sorry I 
cannot stay for good, but you understand ! 

Pendleton 
Indeed, I do, indeed! Goodbye, little Memory-Eyes, 
you will come again and often? 



100 POLLYANNA 

POLLYANNA 

Every day and many times a day! (She kisses him.) 

Miss Polly 
(Coldly, at door, U. C.) You must make no rash 
promises, Pollyanna./ It you knew everything, you would 
not wish to come! And as for you, Mr. Pendleton, I 
think you have caused enough misery in the Harrington 
household without asking further recognition! 

Pendleton 
No, I caused no misery intentionally! What I did I 
did for " love," the greatest thing in the world ! The 
fact that I lost, and in the losing caused others to suffer, 
does not mean that I purposely brought sorrow to your 
home! And as for my own feelings in the matter- — do 
you think / have not suffered ? Do you think my ruined 

LIFE 

Miss Polly 
We will not discuss it. Twenty years are too long 
a time to review in as many minutes ! Come, Pollyanna — 
I have no more time to waste! (Pollyanna goes smil- 
ingly to her and accepts the outstretched hand.)Y Good 
afternoon, gentlemen — (Bozvs coldly. Bleecker o^pens 
door, U. C. Chilton bows.) 

Pendleton 
Good afternoon, Miss Polly 



(Exit Miss Polly) 

Pollyanna 
(At door, courtseying.) Goodbye, Your Majesty- 



Pendleton 
Goodbye, my little Prism-girl — all the gladness goes 
out of life as you go off! 



POLLYANNA loi 

POLLYANNA 

{Pointing to the rainbow.) Yes, but see the rainbow? 
It is a promise — that I shall return ! So watch — 
I'll be back! I'll — be — back! 

(Exits, laughing.) 

(Chilton waves hand and outer door is heard to 
close.) 

Chilton 
(Happily — rushing to zvindow, hut talking hack to Pen- 
dleton.) Think of it — old man — she's worn my picture 
for twenty years [next her heart ! 

Pendleton 
Bah ! She has no heart ! 

Chilton 
My God ! Why didn't I know it before ? I never sus- 
pected — I never dreamed 

Pendleton 
(Holding cane out and pulling or pushing him aside.) 
Get out of my rainbow, Idiot — (Chilton is pushed aside 
■ — and the ''rainbow" again falls upon Pendleton.) 
You dare cast a shadow on my happiness, gladness, peace, 
contentment — and joy! 

Chilton 

Think of it — twenty years! Twenty lonely years — 
the best years of my life ! What is your opinion of the 
trick — Fate has played me, old man? (Still peers out the 
window.) 

Pendleton 

I have no opinion on the subject! It keeps me busy 
opinionating on my own bad hands that Fate has chosen 
to deal me ! God ! I wonder if that woman would be 
mean enough — contemptible enough — to keep the child 
from me ? Surely the good Lord didn't send her into my 
life only to take her out again ! Isn't she sweet Charity 
over again? The same quaint little face and pathetic 



102 POLLYANNA 

smile — the same eager look and impulsive way — the same 
voice — the same laugh — the same exquisite spirit — Oh, 
WHY can't / HAVE HER? Why Can't I adopt her and 
have her with me always? (Suddenly.) Chilton 

Chilton 
Yes? (Swings down toward table, his mind on his 
own affairs rather than the affairs of his friend,) 

Pendleton 
ril give you fifty thousand dollars if you make up with 
Miss Polly and influence her to give me that baby ! 

Chilton 
And ril give you a hundred thousand (if I had it to 
give) if you could influence Miss Polly in my behalf ! 
(Raises and drops chair with thump.) 

(Enter Pollyanna at windozv, U. C.) 

Polly ANN A 
SH! 

Pendleton and Chilton 

Pollyanna! 

(Pendleton strides toward window.) 

Pendleton 
You're back? To stay? She's given in? Tell me, 
Memory-Eyes ! 

Pollyanna 
No, Beautiful King — Fm not back to stay and Aunt 
Polly hasn't given in, but I didn't want you to be lone- 
some, so — (Steps into room through low window.) I 
brought you company ! (She carries a basket with two- 
hinged lids — one at either side.) 

Pendleton 
Company? 



POLLYANNA 103 

POLLYANNA 

Yes — (Steps somewhat C, taking something from one 
side of the basket.) To you from me with love — (Hands 
over the kitten of Act I, now wearing a gay red ribbon 
on her neck, and not so starved-looking.) Sodom! 

Pendleton 
For the love of heaven! (Accepts the kitten.) 

POLLYANNA 

And — (Lifts the be-ribboned puppy from other side. 
Ribbons on neck and tail.) Gomorrah! (Hands over 
the wriggling puppy.) 

Pendleton 
Help! 

Pollyanna 
Why— don't you like them? 

Pendleton 
Like them — why, why, ye — yes ! Of — of course ! I 
should say I do like 'em, the little beasts ! (His beatific 
smile as he gazes down at the infants in his arms is 
equal to a ''yes.'') 

Pollyanna 
Then why don't you say so? 

Pendleton 
Say so ? Be — because I am too happy for words ! 

Pollyanna 
(Rapturously.) Oh, I am so glad ! (Then dashing to 
the animals, and caressing them in his arms.) Oh, you 
little darlings, if only you could understand the happiness 
that is in store for you ! Now you can play the game ! 
You can be glad! For now you are going to have a 
father to love you 

(Pendleton looks over at Chilton who grins, and 
winks at him.) 



I04 POLLYANNA 

And care for you ! And I shall pray for you every night 
and come to see you every morning! And you'll not 
have to be hidden away in a dark cellar any more, my 
pets, but play about in the sunshine! {Then to Pendle- 
ton.) That's how I discovered the secret passage — 
{Points to trap-door.) Hiding Sodom and Gomorrah 
out of Aunt Polly's sight ! 

Pendleton 
{Loving the animals now that he learns they were, in- 
directly, the cause of his knowing "Poia^y anna.) Think 
of it ! It was thro' Sodom and Gomorrah — I was led into 
Paradise. 

Pollyanna 

{Happy that Pendleton and the animals are all bene- 
Utted. Then to th^ animals.) Now aren't you glad Aunt 
Polly didn't want you, my pets? Fo(r you have found a 

beauti fuller home and should be glad ! And now 

{Looks up at Pendleton.) Now, Beautiful King — you 
must prepare for an even greater happiness ! 

Pendleton 
What? Greater than Sodom and Gomorrah? Im- 
possible ! 

Pollyanna 

Oh, yes — it is possible! {Steps backward toward win- 
dow.) You have said that what you wanted most in life 
was a woman's hand and a child's presence 

Pendleton 
Good heavens ! You don't mean 



Pollyanna 
No — I had no woman's hand to bring today, but I have 
brought you the *' child's presence," to be yours for keeps ! 

{She extends hand out the window, and Jimmy Bean 
enters triumphantly, beaming and important.) 



.^ POLLYANNA 105 

Chilton 
Well, for the love of — (Claps hands over mouth to keep 
from shrieking with laughter.) 

Pendleton 
Great Scott ! And who is this claimant to the throne, 
may I as^k? The dauphin? 

POLLYANNA 

(Leading the lad down impressively.) Oh, noi. Your 
Majesty — this is Jimmie Bean. Prince Jimmie after 
you adopt him ! 

Pendleton 

Adopt him? 

(The animals slip and he almost drops them.) 

Polly ANN A 
Yes — instead of me! Please adopt him, Your Maj- 
esty—he's so tired of being an orphan, aren't you, Jimmy ? 

Jimmy 
Uh-huh — orphants ain't no fun, orphants ain't. 

POLLYANNA 

/ No, indeed, we - know, don't we, Jimmy ? Jimmy 
wanted a pair of parents, if possible, but one will do — 
won't it, Jimmie? 

Jimmy 
Uh-huh. I'd rather have a Mother, of course. 

POLLYANNA 

(Shutting him up.) Oh, of course, to be sure. But 
when it comes to parents, we've got to take what we can 
get in this world. Don't we, Beautiful King? Every- 
body's like that, whether they're ''adopted'' or just 
" regulars." (Smooths Jimmy's hair.) 

Pendleton 
I see. So you're looking for a parent. Is that it ? 



io6 POLLYANNA 

Jimmy 
(Quickly.) But rm no beggar, sir! (Steps forth de- 
iiantly.) I can work, I can — feel my muscle ! (Offers 
arms for examination.) 

Pendleton 
I think my medical adviser would probably be the 
proper person to investigate your physical prowess. Mas- 
ter James ! Here, Doctor 

(Jimmy turns arm and Chilton feels his biceps.) 

Chilton 
Wonderful ! 

Jimmy 
(Excitedly.) And I got brains — feel my head! 

Chilton 
(Feeling the boy's head.) Mirabile dictu ! 

Jimmy 
(Excitedly.) And I don't eat much— feel my stomach! 
(Offers the hungry organ for examination.) 

Chilton 
(Examining same.) Empty as a drum! 

Jimmy 

(To Pendleton.) Didn't I tell you? Oh, sir, please 
take me ! All I want is noJL to be frowned at all the time 
— to be smiled at like she smiles at me — smile, Polly- 
anny — (Points to Pollyanna whose ready smile greets 
him) like that — (Points to her excitedly.) See? As if 
she meant it ! 

Pollyanna 

(Hugging the boy.) Oh, I do mean it, Jimmy dear! 
I do! I ;do! (Then to Pendleton.) You will adopt 
him, Beautiful King? Yqu will be such a^happy family — 
you and Jimmy and Sodom and Gomorrah ! For he'll 
be so lojnesome when I go away to school 



POLLYANNA 107 

Jimmy 
You're GOING AWAY ? Oh, Pollyanny! (Turns plead- 
ingly to her.) I can't stand it! I can never, never be 
GLAD! 

Polly ANN A 
Oh, yes, you can, dear — you will have something to 
look forward to — my coming home ! And you wouldn't 
have it if I stayed! For I wouldn't be away to come 
home ! 

Jimmy 
Oh — (Mournfully — rubbing eyes.) However, can I 
be glad to only have you some times when I want you 
ALL the times? Oh, boo — ^hoo — hoo! 

PoLLYANNA 

(Stooping at his side and looking up into his tearful 
face in motherlike fashion.) Then be glad for other 
things — Jimmy darling ! 

Jimmy 
( Tearfully. ) W — w — what ? 

Polly ANN A 
Be glad you're not deaf or dumb or blind ! Be glad 
you're not one-armed or club-footed ! Be glad you're not 
a hunchback or red-headed ! Be glad you're not freckled 
or bow-legged! Be glad you're going to live in a 
castle — and have my King for a father 

Jimmy 
(Mournfully.) Yes, but he hasn't said he'd take me 
yetf 

Polly ANN A 
But he's going to — aren't you, Beautiful King? 

Pendleton 
Um — well — I promise to look into the matter, at any 
rate. Being a trustee of the Orphanage I am at liberty 
to have Jimmy remain with me till I find out exactly 
whether or not he and I may be congenial — eh, Jimsy? 
How's that, my little Samaritan? 



io8 POLLYANNA 

POLLYANNA 

Oh, that's splendid, Beautiful King! And I'm so glad 
for Jimmy's sake — and your sake — and — and — (Glances 
over at the neglected Doctor.) Oh, Dr. Chilton, I've 
never done anything to make you glad, have I ? 

Chilton 
Why, my dear, you have made me the gladdest man on 
earth ! I can't explain — but ask your Aunt Polly — maybe 
she will tell you ! 

Polly ANN A / 

{Astounded.) Aunt Polly? Why — I — I don't under-/ 
stand 

{Enter Nancy^ excitedly, in window, U. C.) 

Nancy 
St! 

{Everybody turns and stares at the girl.) 

Pollyanna 

Why Nancy ! 

Nancy 
She sent me for you, she did! Ye're goin' away — ye 
are — to school ! Tonight ! 

Pendleton, Pollyanna and Jimmy 
Tonight ! 

Pollyanna 
Oh — then I must go ! Goodbye, Jimmy darling ! Be a 
man now and don't cry ! 

Jimmy 
Who's crying? 

Pollyanna 
What shall I bring you for a gift, Jimmy dear, when 
I come back? 

Jimmy 
Bring me just you, Pollyanny — just — you ! 



POLLYANNA 109 

POLLYANNA 

You dear! (Kisses him.) 

Nancy 
(Peering, L.) Be quick wid your farewellin' darlint — 
she's on the portico, she is ! 

POLLYANNA 

Goodbye, Dr. Chilton — (Shakes hands with him.) 
What shall I bring you, dear friend ? 

Chilton 
A message of love — from a beautiful lady 

(PoLLYANNA looks qviizzically at him.) 

Goodbye! (Kisses her hand.) 

POLLYANNA 

I don't know any beautiful ladies except my aunt, but 
— I shall try. Goodbye! (Goes to Pendleton.) Good- 
bye, Beautiful King! And what shall I bring youf 

Pendleton 

Bring me — (Gazes deep into her eyes.) A little face 
that I worship — a little voice that I adore — and two blue 
eyes that are proof of a woman's love ! ( Very tenderly. ) 
Goodbye, little Memory-Eyes — (Kisses her and lets her 
go reluctantly.) 

Pollyanna 

Goodbye — (Steps backward somewhat tozvard win- 
dozv) my Beautiful King — (Kisses the animals.) Good- 
bye, dear Sodom and Gomorrah — (Reaches spot near 
zvindow — she immediately is bathed in the zvonderful 
colors of the rainbow.) Look — I shed my light upon you 
as I leave yoiu — like the benediction at the end of the 
service — (Raises candle.) See— as the rainbow prom- 
ises you health, happiness, gladness, contentment, and 
peace, so do I wish you joy ! peace ! happiness ! glad- 
ness ! love ! Goodbye, my Beloved — wait for me till I 



no POLLYANNA 

return ! Goodbye ! (Remains in the light of rainbow, 
waving. The men return the wave laughingly.) 

Pendleton, Chilton and Jimmy 
Goodbye! Goodbye, Pollyanna! (All wave as she 
waves to them.) 

(With little rippling laughter, she tosses them a kiss 

and is gone. Exit thro' window, U. C.) 
(At this juncture poor little Jimmy. bursts into tears — 
and the tears he has striven manfully to restraifi till 
Pollyanna goes, but he is unable to " be a man " 
longer. Pendleton and Chilton look sorrowfully, 
sympathetically at the child, but they, themselves, feel 
so grieved at her going that they are wordless for 
the moment.) 

Pendleton 
(Looking about for a convenient space to deposit the 
animals.) Here, Chilton — take charge of the menagerie 
while Jimmy and I mingle our tears! (Chilton re- 
lieves his host of them.) Now, Jimmy — brace up and be 
a man ! (Puts arms about lad and draws him, down upon 
his knees.) 

Jimmy 

Y — y — yes, I know, but it seems like the light o' the 
zvhole world's went with Pollyanny ! ( Whirls around and 
sees that the rainbow, too, has disappeared, ounng to the 
fact that the sun has for the moment gone behind a 
cloud!) See! Even our rainbow's went! 

Pendleton 
(With meaning and with feeling.) Yes — even our 
rainbow's "went!" (Caresses boy a little.) 

Jimmy 
Oh, sir, you don't know what she's been to me, sir! 
I didn't have a thing to be glad for and she made me 
glad for everything I didn't have! All the orphants. 
loves her — and all of them's glad, too, for things they 
didn't know they had ! 



POLLYANNA iii 

Pendleton 

Yes? 

Jimmy 

Yes — J — Jakey Munn's glad he hasn't got any teeth 
so they can't ache him and he won't have to have them 
pulled! And the station-man's glad he got his legs cut 
off 'cause for now he's got a sittin'-job for life ! 
That's the kind o' girl Pollyanny is ! She's got every- 
body laughin', 'cept her aunt an' she's too mean ! " The 
SOUR LADY," / call her ! 

(Chilton coughs pointedly as he nurses the animals.) 

Pendleton 
There, there, son — we mustn't deal in disagreeable per- 
sonalities ! 

Jimmy 
(Thinking up more " gladders! ") And Mrs, Snow's 
a GLADDER, TOO ! And she hasn't walked for twenty years 
and NEVER will! She's glad it wasn't her neck 'at was 
broke or her eyes gouged out or water on the brains ! 

(Nancy's scream heard off, U. C. Jimmy is alert.) 

Nancy ! Maybe somepin's happened Pollyanny ! 

Pendleton and Chilton 
PoUyanna ? 

Jimmy 
Yes — I'll go see — {Dashes to open zvindozv, crying as 
he goes.) I'm coming, Pollyanny! I'll help you, Polly- 
anny! 

{Exit through windozi}.) 

Pendleton 
{Dashing toward window.) My God, Chilton, some- 
thing has happened ! For God's sake, see what it is ! 
{Starts himself toward door, U. C.) 

{Enter Bleecker, U. C, excitedly.) 



112 POLLYANNA 

Bleecker 
Oh, it's her, sir — the Httle ghost-girl, sir — run over by 
your automobile, sir — (Addresses last line to Chilton.) 

Chilton 
My automobile ? Good heavens — what was my car 



Bleecker 
The chauffeur was coming back, with the nurse, sir — 
and she tripped and fell as she ran — he picked her up 

Pendleton 
For God's sake, go to her, Chilton 

Chilton 
(To Pendleton. Thrusts animals into Bleecker's 
hands.) Stay here, old man. We'll carry her in. Bring 
my medicine-case from the car, Bleecker 



Bleecker 



I will, sir- 



(Exit Bleecker, U. C.) 
Pendleton 



Quick, Tom- 



(Exit Chilton, U. C.) 

Pendleton 
Oh, God in heaven, this is the first prayer I have made 
in twenty years, and I crave only one request and that 
is — SAVE her! Save my little Memory-eyes! Save 
her! Save her! 

(Enter Nancy at window, U. C.) 

Nancy 
She's not killed, sir — -only stunned ! You should see 
her, sir — never a mofan nor a groan, but smiling thro' it 
all, an' all the men-folks cryin' like babies when they 



POLLYANNA 113 

laid her on the porch ! They're bringin' her in here, sir. 
I'm to fix the settee. It's a good thing that lady-nurse 
was in the car, wasn't it? (Rushes to settee and pushes 
it, D, R. Pendleton is about to assist but she dashes it 
along, herself. Pushes settee, D. R., and arranges pillows 
on it in bed-fashion, talking all the while.) Ye shoiuld 
hear the big wurruds she uses — medicine-words ! Heaven 
help the poor young one if she's hurt as bad as it 
sounds ! 

{Enter Jimmy Bean, excitedly in doorway, U . C) 

Jimmy 
{Hopefully.) She's not goin' to die, Mister New- 
father — leastways the Mister-doctor said not. An' I'm 
to go over to the sour's lady's {Points, U. R. C.) and 
tell her to come quick! {Then about to exit. His face 
beams.) Oh, I'm glad Pollyanny ain't goin' to die. I 
got somethin' to be glad for now all right, all right, ain't 
I? 

{Exit swiftly, U. C.) 

Pendleton 
And so have I, Jimmie-boy, all right, all right. {Paces 
about anxiously, with cane.) 

Nancy 
May the saints and the Virgin Mary care for an' pro- 
tect her — and get her well ! If anything happens that 
young one, Oi'll die, Oi will ! Oi know Oi will ! 

Pendleton 
But you just said she wasn't much hurt! 

Nancy 
They say not, sir — bu ye never can tell, till the post- 
mortal, ye can't! ye can't! 

( Enter Bleecker, U. C.) 



114 POLLYANNA 

Bleecker 
We're bringing her in now, sir — 



(Stands aside — enter Chilton carrying Pollyanna, 
the Nurse following behind.) 

Pendleton 
Over here, Tom {Indicates settee.) 

(Chilton comes to settee and immediately \places the 
injured child care f idly thereon.) 

Poor little Memory-Eyes 



Pollyanna 
(Opening eyes.) — Beautiful King! — (Smiles and closes 
eyes.) 

Nurse 
(Holding up warning finger to Pendleton.) — Sh! 
— (Softly) — We musn't excite her, nor talk to her ! 

Pendleton 
(Frantically.) — Don't tell me it's anything serious! 

Nurse 
Sh! 

(The Nurse steps forward to settee as Chilton 
beckons her. He then com£s to Pendleton as the 
Nurse kneels beside the settee and soothingly rubs 
her head. Nancy whispers to the Nurse excitedly 
— but the Nurse puts linger to her lips indicating 
"silence.'') 

Pendleton 
(Drawing Chilton aside.) — For God's sake, Tom, 
tell me how badly she is hurt! 

Chilton 
Sh! 

(They step farther L. away from settee.) 



POLLYANNA 115 

How serious it is I don't know till we've applied the 
X-Ray. I've sent for the ambulance. Her head isn't 
scratched, thank God for that; nor does she seem to be 
internally injured, but — from my very superficial ex- 
amination I fear it's her spine 

Pendleton 
Badly hurt ? 

Chilton 
(Solemnly.) — I'm afraid — I'm afraid! 

Pendleton 
Afraid of what? Good God! Don't keep me in sus- 
pense ! 

(The Nurse glances back, Unger to lips, indicating 
silence.) 

Nurse 
Sh! 

(Enter Jimmy noisily, U. C.) 

Jimmy 
Here comes the sour lady! — (Then tearing madly to 
settee, D. R.) — Where's Pollyanna? 

All 
Sh! 

(Enter Bleecker, U. C.) 

Bleecker 
Miss Harrington is coming, sir ! 

Pendleton 
Ask her to come in! 

(Exit Bleecker, U. C.) 

Miss Polly's Voice (Oif U. C.) 

How is she, Bleecker ? Quick ! Tell me ! 

(Enter Miss Polly excitedly.) 



ii6 POLLYANNA 

Miss Polly 
Where is she — {Catches sight of her D. R.) — Oh, my 
poor dear child! How did it happen? 

Pendleton 
(Indicating the settee D. R.) — Don't be alarmed, Miss 
Polly. 

Nurse 
Don't excite her, please! We are trying to keep her 
quiet till the ambulance arrives ! 

Miss Polly 
(Aghast! Not loud\) — Ambulance? You — you're 
not going to take her to the hospital ? 

Chilton 
Yes — merely for an X-ray examination ! 

Pollyanna 
(Sitting up and seeing her aunt for the first time) — 
Oh, Aunt Polly! How sweet of you to come to see 
me! (Putting out her hands pleadingly to her aunt.) 

Miss Polly 
(Taking the tzvo little hands nervously \) — Oh, Polly- 
anna — it's terrible to have you suffer so! — (Drops on 
one knee at side of settee.) 

Pollyanna 
But I'm not suffering. Aunt Polly! Up here. — (In- 
dicates from waist up.) 

Chilton 
Sh! — (Men listen intently.) — I feel like I alzvays feel — 
you know, just plain feel! — (Then indicates from 
waist, down.) — And down here — (Pinches her legs!) — 
I don't feel at all ! Like when your foot goes to sleep — 
You know it, but your foot doesn't — like that. 

(Doctor Chilton shakes his head at this as if it zuere 
a very bad indication !) 



POLLYANNA. 117 

Miss Polly 
Are you stire, dear? 

POLLYANNA 

{Rapturously !) Oh ! You called me '' dear/ " Why 
— I haven't been called "dear" since my darling mother 
died! {Siezes her aunt's hand passionately.) Oh, 
THANK you, Aunt Polly — maybe some day, if I get 
REAL SICK, you will kiss me ! 

Miss Polly 
{Putting her arms around her and kissing her — and 
crying out remorsefully.) — Oh, Pollyanna ! Polly- 
anna ! 

(Pollyanna and Aunt Polly mingle their tears and 
nozv begin to understand each other!) 

(Nancy ajid Jimmy exchange glances.) 

Chilton 
Numb! Bad! Bad! Spine! — {Crossing to back of 
settee.) — Listen, little Gladness, how would you like a 
nice ride in the pretty new ambulance today? 

Pollyanna 
Ambulance? Why — what are you taking me to the 
hospital for? 

Chilton 
Just to see how bad a twinge you got in that little back 
of yours ! Don't worry ! You'll be home in your own 
little bed tonight, contented and happy! — {Gently presses 
her shoulder.) — That hurt? 

Pollyanna 
Oh, no, sir. 

Chilton 
{Presses farther down.) — Nor thatf 

Pollyanna 

No, sir! 



n8 POLLYANNA 

Chilton 
How about THAT? Feel that? — {Presses another 
point.) 

POLLYANNA 

{Giggling.) — Now don't! That tickles! — {They all 
laugh a little.) 

Chilton 

Well, now — maybe I can find a ''hurty place" down 
here! How's that? — {Above knee.) 

POLLYANNA 

I don't feel that at all, sir ! 

Chilton 
Nor THAT? — {Presses her knee.) 

Pollyanna 
No, sir — I'm asleep in my legs. Isn't it funny? I'm 
trying to wriggle them, but they won't go ! 

Chilton 

( Solemnly. ) — Um. 

(Miss Polly and the Nurse watch his face anxiously.) 
How about the little toes? Can you wriggle themf 

Pollyanna 
Wait! — {Expression on her face indicates she is en- 
deavoring to work her toes.) — No — they — they don't seem 
to be there, sdmehow — {Leans up somewhat and peers 
down at her feet.) — Maybe they're off! 

Jimmy 
No, they're on, PoUyanny! See? — {About to prove 
statement by pinching her toes.) 

Miss Polly 
{Frowning at boy, and pushing his hand away.) — Sh! 

(JiiMMY scowls at Miss Polly and whispers in 
Nancy's sympathizing ear.) 



POLLYANNA 119 

POLLYANNA 

It's funny I have to have a doctor and a nurse and g-o 
to the hospital in an ambulance just because my foot's 
asleep ! Isn't it, Jimmy ? 

(Children laugh heartily.) 

Jimmy 
My foot's asleep ! I guess I'll go to the hospital ! 
Feel ME_, doctor. — (Sticks out his hare foot.) 

Chilton 
You rascal! — (Then to Pollyanna.) — Don't worry, 
little girl. We'll get those sleepy feet awake in no time ! 

(Crosses to inhere Pendleton stands, C.) 

(Miss Polly leans forward anxiously and caresses 
Pollyanna gently.) 

Pollyanna 
Will you come with me in the ambulance. Aunt Polly' 
Not that I'm afraid, only 

Jimmy 
(Excitedly.) — I'll go with you, Pollyanny — me and 
Nancy. Eh, Nancy? 

Nancy 
Sure Oi'll go! Oi'd go to the North Pole, Oi would, 
for me angel-lamb! 

Miss Polly 
I'll go ahead and be there to greet you. Wouldn't that 
be better? 

Pollyanna 
Anything you say, dear Aunt Polly — oh, it's so good 
to have people care. Wouldn't it have been perfectly 
lovely if I'd been run over when I first came? Then I 
wouldn't have been so lonely, would I, dear Aunt? — 
(Aunt Polly covers her face with her hands.) 



120 POLLYANNA 

Nurse 
There now, little girl — no more talking! 
(Whispers to Aunt Polly — and the two bend over 
and adjust the pillows, etc., about the child.) 

{Enter Bleecker, U. C.) 

Bleecker 
Beg pardon — but there's a crowd at the gates, sir, 
clamoring for a word of hope about the little ghost-girl, 
sir. What shall I tell them? 

Pendleton 
Order them away ! 

POLLYANNA 

Oh, Beautiful King! Please tell them I love them for 
coming, Bleecker, and that tomorrow I shall be with them 
again, to play — the game! {Lies back weakly.) 

Bleecker 
Yes, Miss ! 

{Exit.) 

Pendleton 
{Drawing Chilton azmy savagely.) Tell me the 
truth! — Surely — surely she's not going to die? 

Chilton 
No — she'll not die 

Pendleton 
Then what is it ? Why all this mystery ? Pm a man ! 
I can bear it ! For the love of heaven, tell me ! 

Chilton 
Well — if it's what Pm afraid it is, she will be per- 
manently crippled ! 

Pendleton 

Permanently crippled? — {Groans and covers face 

with hands.) — Good God! A living death! 



POLLYANNA 121 

Chilton 
Sh ! — {Peers out at group.) 

Jimmy 
{Trying to wiggle one of Pollyanna''s toes.) — Can 
you feel that, Pollyanny? 

Miss Polly 
{Pushing him away and speaking sharply.) — Run along 
now, little boy. Skip home! 

Jimmy 
{Pertly.) — I am at home ! This here is my home and 
THAT there's — {Pointing to Pendleton) — my new 
father! If you don't believe me, ask him! No. I'll 
ask him, myself ! — {/i'nd pompously struts toward men) — 
say — Mr. New- father 

{But Pendleton hears only Chilton's words.) 

Chilton 
It's exactly the same injury Mrs. Snow received 
20 YEARS ago — and look at her, bed-fast for life. Think 
of it. Jack, old man — our little Rainbow-girl — may — never 
— walk — again ! 

(Jimmy's eyes grow large zmth wonder — now he 
listens!) 

Pendleton 
Never — zvalk — again? Good God ! 

Jimmy 

{Explosively — boisterously — tearfully) — Oh, Mr. New- 
father! — {Bursts into tears and dashes over to settee) — 
Oh. Pollyanny! Pollyanny! (Pollyanna sits holt 
upright and stares at him.) 

You've got what Mrs. Snow's got — and you'll — 
never — WALK — AGAIN ! {Drops to Us knees at foot of 
settee and sobs!) 

{Great confusion! All stare at boy.) 



122 POLLYANNA 

Nancy 
My God! 

Nurse ' ■ 

Sh! 

Pendleton 
Good God! Don't tell her that! 

Chilton 
For the love of heaven ! 

Miss Polly 
Not that! Not that! 

POLLYANNA 

{Wild-eyed! Aghast! Her voice ringing out szi^eet 
and clear.) never — walk — again? {Then, heart- 
brokenly! Pleadingly ! Hands out as if asking for help!) 
Oh, Aunt Polly — Beautiful King — Nancy— Tell me it 
isn't true ! Promise me. {She loses hope. Aunt Polly 
sobs!) Oh, it IS true ! I can tell by your faces ! 

{Men avert their faces.) 

Oh, I shall never walk again ! I can never be glad any 
more! I can never cheer up poor Mrs. Snow — or tell 
stories to the little ones at the Orphanage ! Or visit the 
sick. Or help the Ladies' Aiders. Or run thro' the 
Secret Passage. Or visit my Beautiful King. Or ever 
help anybody ! Or play the glad game again ! {Then, 
hands to heaven.) Oh, dear Jesus, why did you take my 
poor feet when I needed them so? Promise me you will 
let me have themi back again — Please — Please promise. 

{At this moment the sun comes from behind a cloud 
and sheds its wonderful colors thro' the prism over 
the child with her outstretched arms!) 

Oh! {A cry of rapturous joy — from her very heart \) 
My rainbow ! My promise ! It means i'm to have 

BACK my darling FEET ! JuST AS GOD PROMISED NOAH 
THERE WOULD BE NO MORE FLOODS AND JUST SO He 



POLLYANNA 123 

PROMISES ME — ^THAT — I — SHALL — WALK ! (Then, hands 
high to heaven, and a rapturous smile on her face!) Oh, 
God, I thank Thee for Thy beautiful promise ! I am glad 

now. I HAVE LOST MY FEET FOR A LITTLE WHILE JUST 

SO 1 CAN HAVE THEM BACK AGAIN ! So GLAD ! So 

GLAD ! 



QUICK CURTAIN 



ACT IV 

SCENE 

Same as Acts II and III, except that the gloomy look 
has disappeared. Gay flowers decorate table, mantel, 
and bookcases. The French windows, U. C. stand 
open, and outside is seen a row of lights leading down 
the drive to the entrance-gates. 

PLACE. TIME. DISCOVERED 

Same as Acts II and III. 

Five years later. A summer evening. At rise of curtain 
Pendleton and Bleecker are discovered on stage. 

Pendleton is dressed for dinner and stands, D.R. evi- 
dently viewing the effect of the decorations. 

Bleecker enters, L. with a vase or bowl of flowers. 

Pendleton 
There! {Indicates ''seat" beneath portrait panel, and 
between cellar ettes.) 

Bleecker 
Very good, sir. {Places flowers on "seat.") 

Pendleton 
{Eyeing it.) Splendid! Couldn't be better! Now is 
everything all right? 

Bleecker 
I think so, sir! 

Pendleton 
Gate-lights on? 

Bleecker 
An hour ago, sir ! 

124 



POLLYANNA 125 

Pendleton 
And along the drive ? 

Bleecker 
Both sides, sir! 

Pendleton 
And the porch-lanterns? 

Bleecker 
Sides and front, sir! 

Pendleton 
And the dinner-table? How does it look? 

Bleecker 
Beautiful, sir ! No centerpiece — ^but garlands of flow- 
ers. Something quite new the decorator said — quite 
new ! 

Pendleton 
Good ! It can't be too new or too fine for this occa- 
sion ! There mustn't be a hitch tonight, mind ! This is 
a very important dinner tonight, you must know, 
Bleecker. 

Bleecker 
I understand, sir! 

Pendleton 
And besides, my hand's out. Bear in mind this is the 
first dinner-party in this house in twenty-five years — 
with ladies for guests, I mean. And I feel as nervous 
as a debutante! Give me a bracer there, will you? I 
declare — you'd think this was my coming-out party the 
way my knees are shaking! 

Bleecker 
(Chuckling as he pours drink at cellar ette.) Yes, sir! 
Yes, sir! I understand, sir! {Hands drink to Pen- 
dleton.) 

Pendleton 
Thanks — well, here's to the little Glad-girl's return! 
(Raises glass.) May she enter on two feet — sans cane — 
sans crutch — sans chair — God bless her! 



126 POLLYANNA 

Bleecker 
(Sadly.) I 'ope so, sir! (Shakes head dubiously and 
sighs. ) I do 'ope so ! 

Pendleton 
(Returning glass to tray.) Thanks — nothing like 
good Scotch — to put a fellow on his feet! (Stops 
suddenly and stares before him, out windozv.) Good 
heavens ! Look at that crowd, will you ? 

Bleecker 
Yes, sir] Villagers, sir! Waiting for a glimpse of 
the little ghost-girl. They've been there ever since the 
word got about that she was home. Oh, I do 'ope she's 
come back cured, sir — for their sake ! Five years are 
a long time to wait only to be disappointed ! (Shakes 
head and sighs and fusses at cellar ette. ) 

Pendleton 
They won't be — of course she's cured! Five years 
under the care of the finest specialist in Europe without 
results ? I — should — say — ^not ! 

Bleecker 
You never can tell, sir ! Cook feels in her bones she 
will be on crutches — And something tells the gardener 
she'll be in a wheel-chair, but the baker-boy says the re- 
port is — she's come back exactly as she went away — 
Flat on her back ! 

Pendleton 
Impossible! I refuse to believe it! Do you mean to 
say that God-in-heaven — Her God — Pollyanna's God — 
would condemn that child to everlasting suffering? 
Never! (Strides about.) 

Bleecker 
You're right, sir! Still — you know Dr. Chilton's 
been gone four weeks, and the only word you received 
was that she was improved! 



POLLYANNA 127 

Pendleton 
Yes — I know, confound him ! My emissary ! Sent by 
ME ! to report her true condition — and then not a word 
from him but the vague cable "Improved!" (Grunts 
impatiently.) Six-thirty! (Glances at watch.) Where's 
Master James? Hasn't he come in from his ride? 

Bleecker 
Yes, sir, just come, sir — he's at the telephone, sir, 
talking to Boston ! 

Pendleton 
Boston ? 

Bleecker 

Yes, sir — to somebody he calls "grandmother !" (Then 

mournfully.) Oh, sir — I — I beg pardon, sir — but — ^but 

tell me if I am not too bold, sir, is it true you have found 

out who the young master is ? His — his parents, I meaa? 

Pendleton 
Yes, Bleecker — you don't need to publish the fact yet, 
but — it's — true! 

* Bleecker 

(Mournfully.) Oh, sir, you don't mean as 'ow 'e's 
going away from here? H'away from hus as loves 'im 

so? 

Pendleton 
Not — ON — YOUR — life ! He's my boy — ^all mine ! If 
he'd found fifty parents and all alive, they couldn't 
get that boy out of my hands and heart! Huh! I — 

SHOULD SAY NOT ! 

(Enter Jimmy, L. in riding-togs.) 

Well, Son — do you expect to sit down to dinner in 
that outfit? You may go, Bleecker. 

(Bleecker exits, U. C.) 



128 POLLYANNA ' 

Jimmy 
(Coming toward his father.) No, dad, but I just 
wanted to say "good night" to grandmother over the 
'phone, so — 

Pendleton 
"Grandmother!" (Draws boy toward him affection- 
ately.) I tell you, Son, Pm getting jealous of those blood 
relations of yours ! Pm sorry now you ever persuaded 
me to look up your family-tree ! Good heavens ! Wasn't 
I enough for your happiness? / didn't care so long as 
you were you. 

Jimmy 
(Smiling up at him.) And I didn't care so long as I 
had you but — (Very shy now. Pauses — appears shy 
now.) 

Pendleton 
Yes — But v^HAT ? Go on ! Time flies and only half 
an hour till guests arrive! Now what is it? But? 

Jimmy 
But — well, I was afraid somebody else might care 
— some day — so 

Pendleton 
Somebody else? And whose business is it, pray, ex- 
cept yours and mine, Who you happen to be? 

Jimmy 
\^^ell — the girl I marry wouldn't give a hang, I know 
— but she might have a sour — old — aunt — ( Glances 
shyly up at his father"^ 

Pendleton 
Girl you marry? Great Caesar's ghost. Son, you're 
only a Baby — and you talking about Marriage ! 

Jimmy 

(Pompously, resenting the jab at his youth.) I'm 
seventeen, sir, Pll have yoij know, and a Sophomore at 
Harvard ! 



POLLYANNA 129 

Pendleton 

(Throwing back his head and laughing.) Seventeen 
and a Sophomore ! Good Lord ! But they start young 
now-a-days ! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha ! 

Jimmy 
Start? Why, we promised each other at twelve 
we'd get married when we grew up, Pollyanna and I ! 

Pendleton 
Yes, twelve ! But twelve is years older than seven- 
teen ! Don't forget that! Besides — you haven't seen 
Pollyanna for five years and the great question is — ^how 
has she returned to us after all these years? 

Jimmy 
How has she returned? What do you mean? 

Pendleton 
I mean — er — tell me, Jimmy, in your recent letters 
from Pollyanna, has she ever once mentioned whether 
or not she was cured? 

Jimmy 
(Astonished.) Cured? Why, Dad — you don't mean 
you think that she — can't walk? 

Pendleton 

I don't know — but I'm afraid, Son — I'm afraid! I'm 
afraid ! 

But didn't Dr. Chilton say she was all right when you 
sent him over last month? 

Pendleton 
No — he merely said she was improved, and the fact 
that he hasn't written only emphasizes my fears. 

I Jimmy 

■^ But she went around everywhere this past summer. 
I had post- cards from Naples, Paris, Florence, Rome — 



130 POLLYANNA 

she had to walk io go about like that! {Goes throu^ 
pockets for cards.) 

Pendleton 
Not necessarily ! The distances are not great on the 
Continent, and it may have been in search of climate that 
she's been sent hither and thither ! 

Jimmy 
(Happily.) I know! She's cured and keeping it a 
surprise ! 

Pendleton 
That volatile little being couldn't hold back such 
happiness! She'd explode! 

Jimmy 
Here's her last card! (Reads same.) "You should 
see me, feeding birds at St. Mark's ! They light on my 

chair " 

Pendleton 
(Explosively.) Chair! That settles it! She's in a 
wheel-chair ! 

Jimmy 
But, Dad, people with good legs sometimes sit, you 
know ! 

Pendleton 
But not Poi.lyanna — feeding birds at St. Mark's! 
No, indeed, that active little proposition would be flying 
about zvith the pigeons if she were cured! (Draws boy 
to him affectionately.) I'm sorry, Son, but we must be 
brave, you and I, just as I know Pollyanna is brave! 
And, ANYWAY, she's alive — and that's something to 
BE " GLAD ABOUT," I supposc — as she played the game. 

Jimmy 
(Slowly.) Y-e-s, that's — the — game! (Pauses — 
thinks — then smiles up at his father.) Dad — 

Pendleton 
Yes, Son? 



POLLYANNA 131 

Jimmy 
ANYway — it'll be Pollyanna! 

Pendleton 
Yes, Jimmy — ANYway — it will be Pollyanna! 

Jimmy 
And, besides — it will be splendid taking care of her! 

Pendleton 
Yes — poor little motherless thing! 

Jimmy 
Do you mind — way back when we were children — how 
she used to take my hand and go from house to house 
trying to find me a home. 

Pendleton 
Think of it ! What if some of those awful villagers 
had taken you in ! 

Jimmy 
But they didn't! 

Pendleton 
{Drawing the boy close to him for a second.) No, 
thank God ! 

Jimmy 
And now — I shall be able to lead her instead of her 
leading me! After all, Dad — she will lean on me more 
and need me more now than if she'd been cured. Won't 
she? 

Pendleton 
A THOUSAND times more. Son. 

{Pause. A lovely smile breaks over the boy's face.) 

Jimmy 
{Glancing up at his father.) After all, I — I think 
I'm glad, father. I — think — I'm — Glad! 

Pendleton 
That's the way to talk, Son ! And we'll both be philos- 
ophers and be — "glad" ! 



132 POLLYANNA 

(An automobile-horn is heard off U. C.) 

Heavens ! Who of my guests is arriving so fashion- 
ably early? 

(About to peer out the window. Enter Bleecker in 
doorway, U.C.) 

Bleecker 
Dr. Chilton and Miss Harrington are coming up the 
drive, sir. 

Pendleton 
What? Together? 

Bleecker 
Yes, sir — close together! 

Pendleton 
Close together? The miracle has happened! They 
have made up ! 

Jimmy 
And Miss Pollyanna? Is she with them? 

Bleecker 
No, Master James 

Pendleton 
Show them in here first, Bleecker! 

(Exit Bleecker.) 

(Then to Jimmy.) Quick, Son! Into your purple 
and fine linen! With guests early and hosts late it 
would be a pretty predicament! 

Jimmy 
Yes, father — 

(Exit Jimmy swiftly, L.) 

(Enter Bleecker, bows and ushers in guests. Polly 
followed by Chilton. Both dressed for dinner. 
Miss Polly looks particularly well in her Parisian 
costume. 



POLLYANNA 133 

Miss Polly 
Jack — (Smiling extends hands and goes straight to 
host.) 

Pendleton 
Welcome home, Polly — (Then recalling the twenty- 
five years' feud) I May call you "Polly?" 

Chilton 
You have my permission! (He and Polly laugh.) 

Pendleton 
(Shaking Chilton's hand.) Your permission? And 
since when, pray, have you become the possessor and 
dictator of my charming neighbor's cognomen, may I 
ask? 

Chilton 
(Cockily.) Since the 8th of September, in the pres- 
ent year-of-our-Lord-anno-domini-whatever-it-is ! Didn't 
I, Love? (Caressing Polly's hand.) 

Pendleton 
What do you mean? 

Chilton 
I mean — tell him, Polly. 

Polly 
We're Married! 

Pendleton 
(Explosively.) Married? 

Polly 
Yes, in Paris. 

Pendleton 
(Explosively.) In Paris? 

Chilton 
Certainly. If you don't believe us, we'll send Bleecker 
over for the license ! 

Pendleton 
Well ! So THAT explains why I didn't hear from you, 
you villain? I didn't send you over to Europe to get 



134 POLLYANNA 

MARRIED, if you plcaSC, but TO FIND OUT ABOUT PoLLY- 

anna! Well — ^this is a surprise! My best wishes, 
Polly — (Again grips her hand.) And congratulations, 
Tom ! May you both have a lifetime of happiness and 
an EXTRA quarter-of-a-century to hoot that's owing you ! 

{All laugh.) 

But where's the little Glad Girl? 

Polly 
Nancy's bringing her right over. 

Pendleton 
And HOW is she? 

Polly 
We're not to tell. The dear child wants to tell you 
all about everything, herself ! So don't ask ! wait ! 
We came ahead, because — because I wanted this mo- 
ment alone with you. Jack — ^if — if I may — 

Pendleton 
Certainly. Be seated. The door to your left, Tom, 
leads to the drawing-room if you don't mind. Mrs. 
Chilton wishes to see me alone! 

Chilton 
But we're oyie, aren't vv-e, My Treasure? {Sits on 
arm of her chair and caresses her.) And besides — I 
wouldn't trust you with anybody s wife, let alone mine. 
You irresistible devil! {Shaking finger at Pendleton.) 
even if you are my best friend ! Pat my hand, love. 

Polly 
Silly boy! {Smiles up at him and pats his cheek with 
fan.) 

Pendleton 
Yes — foolish youth — go out and grow up ! ( Then 
drawing chair close to hers.) Now, Polly! {Smooths 
her hair.) 



POLLYANNA 135 

Chilton 
Never mmd him. darling. He's only jealous of our 
happiness ! (Kisses her hair.) 

Polly 
Behave, Child ! 

Pendleton 
Yes — for the love of heaven, Tom, control yourself ! 

Chilton 
(Glaring at Pendleton.) I say — / didn't know you 
had such a jealous disposition. Jack — when did this met- 
amorphosis take place? 

Pendleton 
(Ignoring him.) Go on, Polly. He's that love-sick, 
he's dazed ! Why, he's worse than he was twenty-five 
years ago, and you'll mind even then he was a nuisance. 
(Then leaning toward her.) Now what is it? 

Polly 
It's this, Jack. I want to ask your forgiveness for the 
part I played in separating you and poor little Charity 
twenty-five long years ago ! 

Pendleton 

Please (Face takes on serious expression. He sits 

up erect and holds up detaining hand.) 

Polly 
But I must speak ! Please let me get it off my con- 
science and my heart ! When I look into PoUyanna's 
little face — the face of Charity except for your re- 
proachful eyes, her smile heaps coals of fire on my head 
for not bringing you together after father's death ! 

Pendleton 
I understand. You gave your promise to your dying 
father. 



136 POLLYANNA 

Polly 

Yes — but it was better to break that wretched promise 
than break two hearts ! Oh, if only I had thought so 
then, but I didn't, and — and — tell me you forgive me, 

Jack 

Pendleton 

(Leaning forward and seising her tzvo outstretched 
hands.) Yes, Polly dear, I do forgive you — freely — 
gladly — with all that's left of my battered old heart; 
and I'm glad you've come to me as you have come — 
sweetly ' humbly ! contritely ! And if that green-eyed 
old husband of yours will look the other direction for 
a fraction of a second, I will salute you ! 

Chilton 
Fraction of a second, mind! (Chilton smiles and 
turns. Pendleton raises Polly's hand to his lips.) 

Pendleton 
There! {Then smiling at Chilton.) Thank you, 
Tom ! 

(Chilton reaches forth and returns the ''kissed 
hand" to his own protection.) 

Polly 
And thank you. Jack! You are the best man in all 
the world. 

Chilton 
{Injured tone.) Why, darling 

Pendleton 
Great Scott! Has he started up again? 

Chilton 
You mean next best, don't you; sweetheart? 

Pendleton 
For heaven's sake— tell him yes, Polly! Anything to 
pacify the infant! 



POLLYANNA 137 

Polly 
(Laughing up at Chilton.) Oh, Tom, Tom — will you 
never grow up? (Laughingly taps her fan against his 
cheek, he seizes the hand and holds it sentimentally 
against his cheek.) 

Pendleton 
Never ! He's in his second childhood — the old dotard 
— and there's no hope! 

Chilton 
(Determined to he her '"best.") Tell me — who's the 
best man in your beautiful world, wif e-of-my-heart ! 

Polly 
You, of course, dearest 

Chilton 
(With happy smile and sigh.) A — h! What — ^A — 
relief! (To Polly.) And we'll let Jack be the next 
best, how's that? 

Polly 
Yes, love ! 

(Pendleton throws up hopeless hands.) 

Chilton 
Hear that, Jack? (Then pleasantly.) You're our 
" next best," you are 

Pendleton 
Are I ? Great Scott ! You've got me doing it I 

Polly 
(Laughing a little.) You are indeed! And if there 
is ever anything I can do for you — the bigger, the 
better: command me that I may prove my sincerity! 

Chilton 
Anything ! 

Pendleton 
(To Polly.) You mean that? 



.138 POLLYANNA 

Polly 



Absolutely ! 
Absolutely ! 



Chilton 



Pendleton 
{Seriously.) Well — there is something you can do 
for me — that is, if ever the time comes that it may 
be necessary ! 

Polly 
{Eagerly.) It is done "now!" 

Chilton 
"Now!" What is it? 

Pendleton 
It is this — {Pauses a second as if finding difficulty 
to begin.) Er — Children — you know, are strange beings, 
and love listeth where it will — {Giving Chilton a 
freezing glance.) As you are aware — (Chilton smiles 
and caresses his wife.) And if these beloved chil- 
dren of ours — your little Pollyanna, my adored James 
— should, in the years to come, find happiness in each 
other's hearts, I want you to promise something and 
promise now — that you may not have another quar- 
ter-century of remorse ! 

Polly 
{Startled.) Oh, but Jack 



Pendleton 
I adore the boy ! Even if I knew he came of the low- 
est of the low I would not be afraid to place Pollyanna's 
little hand in his — {Then most reverently.) (and you 
know Pollyanna is to me her idolized mother) for his 
spirit is as fine — his mind as pure — his heart as brave 
as that of a royal Prince! And I would not — will not 
have him go through what I've gone through, suffer 
what I've — suffered^ — Meet with the bitterness and 
hatred and sorrow I've met with, through love ! So I 
want it understood now! The dearest wish of my heart 



POLLYANNA 139 

is — that some day these children will mate! But if you 
are to put any stumbling-block in the way of the con- 
summation of that desire, I shall take the boy away and 
keep him away during these impressionable years that 
he may forget her. So — how about it? 

Polly 
But his PEOPLE, Jack ! You believe in heredity — think 
who his parents may have been! Think what might 
have been the circumstance of his birth ! 

Pendleton 
I have looked into that — not that it mattered to me 
in the least what glorious or in-glorious antecedents he 
might have under ground, hut just for this occasion. 

Polly 
{Eagerly.) Yes? You found out? His mother? 

Pendleton 
Was a Wetherby of Boston 



Polly 
Wetherby ? Not the Back Bay Wetherbys ? 

Pendleton 
Yes ! The Back Bay Wetherbys ! 

Polly 
(Radiant, aghast.) You don't mean the Quincy 
Wetherbys ? 

Pendleton 
Judge Quincy Wetherby was his grandfather ! 

Polly 
Why, Jack ! {Then beaming up at Chilton.) Think 

of it, Tom 

Chilton 
I can think of nothing but you, Precious — {Raises her 
hand to his lips.) 



140 POLLYANNA 

Polly 
(Wonderingly.) The Quincy Wetherbys — How 
wonderful ! 

Pendleton 
Yes — and you will admit, Polly, that, though we Har- 
ringtons and Pendletons hold our leafy branches high 
above the majority of the shrubs in the forestry of New 
England aristocracy, the Wetherby branch overshad- 
ows us by many boughs ! 

Polly 
You're right ! But tell me about it ! 

Pendleton 
Same old story — ^beautiful young girl eloped against 
the wishes of her family. She died when Jimmy was 
born, and her husband, despising the Wetherbys, handed 
the boy over to an asylum at his death, under a false 
name that- the in-laws might never discover him ! And 
there you are ! Now how about it? Is a Wetherby good 
enough for a Harrington, think you? Would you hold 
back your consent now? 

Polly 
No — I give my consent freely — unconditionally — if 
it's ever asked! (Shakes head sadly.) Poor little Polly- 
anna. With her years of sufifering, marriage seems as 
far off as the grave ! 

Pendleton 
Don't say that ! \A^e must all send her health-thoughts 
and make her well ! 

Polly 
You are a dear. Jack! (Puts out hand.) 

Chilton 

Now — now — now — (Reaches forth and draws bact 
the offending hand from Pendleton.) That's my little 
hand, wifey dear ! 



POLLYANNA 141 

Polly 
{Teasingly, holding up the other hand.) No — this is 
your little hand, husband mine ! 

Chilton 
{Seizing both hands.) No! They're 60^/1 mine ! All 
mine! {Then coaxingly.) Tell me they are all mine 
— light-of-my-life ! 

Pendleton 
Oh, my God! {Then to the bride.) How under the 
shining heavens do you stand it, Polly? 

Chilton 
Stand it? She loves it — don't you, Sweetness? 

Polly 
{Smiling up into his face.) I love everything you 
do or SAY or think, darling heart, no matter how 
idiotic ! 

Pendleton 
And yet — for twenty years — you didn't speak in 
passing! Whew! {Throws up hands.) 

Pollyanna's Voice 
(Off.) 
Beautiful King! 

All 
Pollyanna ! 

Pollyanna's Voice 
(Off.) 
Beautiful King Oh, Beautiful King—: — 

Pendleton 
{Happily, rushing U. C. to window that he may look 
down the drive as she enters.) Yes, Memory-Eyes — I'm 
here waiting, Memory-Eyes. {Peers about down the 
drive as if unable to locate her,) Where are you, dar- 
ling ? Call me again. Spirit-child ! Call me, little Mem- 
ory-Eyes ! 



142 POLLYANNA 

(Enter Pollyanna through trap-door, now quite a 
young lady, and wearing a lovely cloak over her 
dinner-gown. Pendleton is peering out the win- 
dow and does not see her until she is quite up.) 

Pollyanna 
Here I am, Beautiful King! 

Pendleton 
( Whirling about and seeing her with radiant face and 
outstretched arms, and on her feet.) Memory-Eyes! 

Pollyanna 
Beautiful King! {She drops her cloak and the two 
rush into each other's arms.) 

Pendleton 
{Gazing down at her.) Let me look at you, child — 
I can't believe my eyes. {Holds her from him and stares 
down at her little feet.) Why, you're well! You're 
CURED ! You — you — can — walk ! Oh, Pollyanna — 
and I was afraid you would — never — walk again!, 
{Again crushes her to his heart.) 

Pollyanna 
No, Beautiful King, there was never a doubt of my 
walking' Don't you remember God's promise to me, 
that day I was hurt, My Rainbow? 

{Henods^yesr) 

And over there, when day after day I suffered, and I 
couldn't seem to improve; I would just hold the prism 
— you sent me — up to the sunlight, and the promise al- 
ways came — that I would walk ! 

Pendleton 
You beautiful, exquisite, trusting, spiritual child! 
But why didn't you write me you were well? Or you, 
Polly? Didn't you know I suft'ered? And there you 
v\^ere — cured all the while! 



POLLYANNA 143 

Polly 
Ah — but that's just it ! It wasn't " all the while ! " 
Many a time when she seemed to be almost cured she 
would slip back and start all over again ! Three times 
she was out of her wheel-chair, twice she had thrown 
away her crutches — only to go back again, where she 
began ! It was the fear of writing you that all was well 
— and then to have to grieve you with other news ! So 
I said to her — " If you write you are cured and your 
feet go back to sleep, they will feel sad " 

POLLYANNA 

But if I write nothing and they fear the worst, they 
will be all the Gladder to find me cured ! I told myself. 

Pendleton 
You were right, Polly — quite, quite right! 

Chilton 
Polly's always right, aren't you, Polly? Come closer, 
dear — You seem so far away. 

Pollyanna 
But oh, Beautiful King — after all, I'm glad it 
happened. 

Pendleton 
Glad it happened? With all your suffering — and 
waiting — and disappointments through five long years? 

Pollyanna 
Yes — Even so, for you have to lose your legs to 
really love them ! And besides, it gave me such a good 
chance to play the game ! 

Pendleton 
You — blessed — ^child ! 

Polly 
Yes, she taught the Glad-game In seven tongues. And 
a great artist in Florence painted her portrait and called 
it the " Glad Girl " ! And it won the " Grande Prix ! " 



144 POLLYANNA 

Pendleton 
Splendid ! Wonderful ! 

POLLYANNA 

Yes — here is a miniature of it! (Hands him same.) 
Done for you. 

Pendleton 
For ME? Oh — (Gases at miniature.) How exquisite! 
A perfect likeness! And oh — (Glances over at Polly 
and Chilton.) How like Charity! 

POLLYANNA 

I am so glad. I would rather be like our lovely Prin- 
cess than anyone in the world ! 

Pendleton 
And I would rather have you like our Princess than 
anyone in the world! (Presses miniature to his lips.) 
But come ! Sit down and 

Pollyanna 
Oh — don't — ask — ^me — to — sit — please! I've been sit- 
ting so long I hate the very looks of a chair! 

(All laugh.) 

Pendleton 
My emphatic little Pollyanna — she hasn't changed a 
wink ! 

Pollyanna 
No ! That's just the trouble ! My hair is still yellow 
and STRAIGHT ! The miracle has not been performed, 

as YET ! 

Chilton 
(Lifting a strand of Polly's hair.) Polly's hair 

CURLS 

Miss Polly 
Sh! (Takes his hand.) 



POLLYANNA 145 

POLLYANNA 

But the FRECKLES have gone ! At least I can be glad 
for THAT ! I prayed them off ! 

Pendleton 
I'm sorry ! I loved every freckle of them ! And / 
prayed for them to stay ! 

POLLYANNA 
You DID? 

Chilton 
Ah — then that must have been the reason you had 
such a time getting rid of them — the wires got crossed! 

(They laugh.) 

POLLYANNA 

Tell me — do — do you think — I mean Jimmy — Does 
— does he prefer blondes or brunettes? 

Pendleton 
Jimmy? He doesn't know the difference. He's too 
young ! 

POLLYANNA 

Too Young ! Why — he's seventeen ! I hope you 
don't call that young! 

Chilton 
I should — hope — not ! The idea ! He's in his prime ! 
(All laugh.) 

Pendleton 
Well — he'll be in presently and he can decide the ^_ 
weighty blonde-brunette problem, himself ! And while 
we're waiting, {Touches button.) two other friends are 
eager to greet you! 

{Enter Bleecker, U. C.) 

The menagerie, Bleecker ! 



146 POLLYANNA 

Bleecker 
Right here, sir — {Does not close door as he disap- 
pears.) 

Polly ANN A 
Oh, how glad I am to be back among all my " dears ! " 

Pendleton 
Not half so glad as your " dears " are to have you 
back! 

(Bleecker appears at door.) 

Pendleton 
Now, Miss Pollyanna Whittier, let me present your 
old friends, Sodom and Gomorrah ! 

{Enter Bleecker with Monster Cat on pillow and 
a huge Newfoundland Dog on a leash. Animals 
are gaily decorated with gay ribbons.) 

Pollyanna 
Heavens! Why — they're elephants! 

Chilton 
Yes — or whales ! 

Pollyanna 
Are you sure these are " Sodom and Gomorrah," 
Bleecker? {Peers into Sodom's face.) 

Bleecker 
Yes, Miss — quite sure. Miss! 

Pollyanna 
There's something peculiar about this. Look at me, 
you monsters! {Peers at them at close range.) 

Chilton 
Sure they weren't mixed in their cradles, Bleecker? 

Bleecker 
Positive, sir, positive! 



POLLYANNA 147 

Polly 
Don't let them see me or they may recall our first 
meeting and rend me limb from limb! 

Chilton 
I'll protect you, darling. (Shields her from the gaze 
of the animals, ) Come close ! 

Pollyanna 
I believe they're their own grandparents ! I do ! Hon- 
estly. {Takes cat and pillow.) You pompous, overfed, 
self-satisfied old thing, you don't know me, do you? 
Why — I'm Pollyanna ! The girl who picked you up 
from the railroad tracks that day! What, you don't 
remember ? 

Polly 

Oh, well, what more could you expect, child? It's a 

long leap from a trailroad track to a castle and, like all 

nouveau riche, they find it difficult to recall old friends 

who knew them when they were down! 

(All laugh.) 

Pollyanna 
Oh, well, never mind! I love you, just as much, you 
fat old darlings, and we're going to be awfully clubby 
before long, you and I! Aren't we? (Kisses Sodom's 
ribbon.) There now! Good night, sweet things — 
(Hands over heavy cat and shakes arms as if weary 
from so heavy a load.) 

Chilton 
Yes, good night, Cherubim ! May your shadows never 
grow LESS — and heaven help poor Bleecker's arm if 
they grow more ! 

Bleecker 
Thank you. Dr. — Yes, Miss — Come, Gomorry — 
(Turns U. C. with animals.) 

Pollyanna 
Thank you, Bleecker ! 



148 POLLYANNA 

Bleecker 
You're welcome, Miss 

(Exits U.C.) 

Pendleton 
And NOW — I'm going to send in the remaining one 
of that orphaned-trio with which you presented me five 
years ago. 

POLLYANNA 

Jimmy? {Catches his coat-lapels.) Oh, tell me about 
him, Beautiful King, before you go ! In all these years 
there has never been a picture or even the faintest de- 
scription to go by ! Tell me ! 

Chilton 
I'll tell you. Do you remember how he looked that 
day you brought him here — in search of a parent? 

Pendleton 
Yes — that day you brought everything that I hold 
dear in life, into my keeping? 

Pollyanna 
Do I ? The picture is printed on my heart ! His rosy 
cheeks — and chubby feet — and soiled blue blouse — I 
haven't forgotten one detail in all these years ! 

Pendleton 
Then expect to see him tonight as you saw him 

LAST 

Pollyanna 
Beautiful King! Not in his bare feet? Surely? 

Chilton 
Certainly. 

Pendleton 
No, I don't mean to be quite so literal as all that! 
(Starts L.) But — you — wait! 



POLLYANNA 149 

Chilton 
I say — Jack — what's to become of Polly and me if 
you go out and leave us alone with these old folks 
of seventeen? 

POLLYANNA 

Oh, Uncle Tom ! Make him stop teasing me, Beau- 
tiful King ! 

POLLYANNA 

Shame on you. Uncle! If you could see the spectacle 
you're making of yourself in your newly-wed bliss, you'd 
find little time to poke fun at others ! 

(PoLLYANNA laughs and strolls to table, lifting and 

looking at a picture.) 
(Chilton mig-zmgs violently to Pendleton who un- 
derstands. ) 

Pendleton 
Er — ah — um— how would you like to see the new 
gymnasium, Polly and Uncle? 

Polly 
Gymnasium ? 

Pendleton 
Yes — for Jim, to keep him in trim ! You know at 
HIS advanced age one must keep on guard ! 

(All laugh.) 

Polly 
Oh, I should love to see it. Come, my dove! 

Chilton 
Yes, Bird of Paradise! 

(Both start L.) 

Pendleton 
Ye gods! Talk about feeding birds at St. Mark's! 
What's the matter with these feathered darlings I 
have at my board tonight! {Opens door L.) Fly out 



I50 . POLLYANNA 

my birdies ! You can bill and coo to your sweet content 
in here! 

{Exit Polly and Chilton.) 

Pendleton 
(About to close door L.) Are you glad to be back, 
Memory- Eyes ? 

POLLYANNA 

I'm so glad — 'I'm afraid I'll wake up — in a moment — 
and find it a — dream ! 

Pendleton 
You — dear ! ^ 

{Exit smilingly.) 

POLLYANNA 

{Drawing deep sigh.) A — ^h! 

{Enter Jimmy L. silently.) 

Jimmy 
{Sweetly, happily.) Pollyanna! 

POLLYANNA 

{Holding out her hands.) Jimmy. {He rushes to her 
and seises both hands.) Oh — how handsome you are! 

Jimmy 
And bow beautiful you are ! 

Pollyanna 
{Surveying him.) Why! You're — ^you're a man! 

Jimmy 
And you're a Lady! And — {Explosively, glancing 
down at her toes.) Why, Pollyanna! Are — are those 

YOUR OWN feet YOU'rE STANDING ON? 

Pollyanna 
No, I left MINE at home — {Lifts skirts daintily and 
displays little feet.) These are a pair of Nancy's I 
found kicking about the house! 



POLLYANNA 151 

(Jimmy glances up from her adorable little feet to her 
face and sees the mischievous twinke in her eye.) 

Jimmy 
Then — you can walk? You — you're well? You're 

CURED ? 

POLLYANNA 

Can I walk ? Am I cured ? You — watch ! ( Whirls 
about in a gay little dance about the room, returning 
presently to his side.) 

{There is no smile on his face, she frowns, stoops, 
and looks up into his face.) Well — aren't you glad? 

Jimmy 
I — I don't know whether I'm glad or sorry, Pollyanna ! 

Pollyanna 
Why, Jimmy Pendleton ! 

Jimmy 
{Quickly.) But — you must understand, dear^you — 
you've taken me by surprise — You're not what I ex- 
pected — You're well ! 

Pollyanna 
Of course I'm well ! " Well " like those other 
girls! — you're always writing about! {Takes another 
whirl to prove that her feet are indeed awake.) 

Jimmy 
Yes — but that's just it! I didn't want you like other 
Girls ! 

Pollyanna 
Why, Jimmy Bean Pendleton! {Then, pouting.) 
Now I — I almost wish my feet — had stayed — asleep! 

Jimmy 
And so do I! 



POLLYANNA 

POLLYANNA 

Oh, you wicked, wicked boy! (Turns away from him, 
hurt. ) 

Jimmy 
(Catching her hand.) Yes — ^but you don't under- 
stand! I wanted it that way so I could be your slave! 
So I could carry you upstairs and down to your meals, 
and into the motor-car in my — (Pompously.) big, 
STRONG arms! (Fecls his biceps.) I wanted you to — 
to NEED me — and rely upon me — and — lean on me! 

POLLYANNA 

Why, Jimmy! 

Jimmy 
(S or rozv fully.) But now I can do none of those 
things. You'll fly upstairs like a bird and be here, there, 
everywhere before a fellow can even grasp your shadow. 
You'll be into the automobile before Pve hardly left the 
doorstep, and out of it before it stops. Oh, / know 
girls ! And instead of leaning upon me, you'll go 
dragging me around like a regular " lead the blind " 
stunt and have me eating from your little-girl-hand ! 

Pollyanna 
Oh, Jimmy — (Laughs.) 

Jimmy 

It's true! And it's not fair! You girls don't under- 
stand us men. (Pompously.) We don't like to be led 
— we like to lead! We want girls to lean on us and 
— and depend on us — Not the other way 'round. And 
you — you're so wonderful, Pollyanna, that unless you're 
crippled up or something, you'll be the boss. And that's 
not right ! 

Pollyanna 

No, I won't, Jimmy. I promise you — ^I'll be just as 
dependy and leany and weak — as a kitten. Look at me 
• — See? (Sways a hit.) I'm beginning to wobble 
already ! 



POLLYANNA 153 

Jimmy 
(Clasping her in his arms.) Oh, Pollyanna, always 
wobble! Promise me! 

Pollyanna 
(Limp as a rag.) I promise! 

Jimmy 

(Holding her.) But Pm afraid you won't keep it up! 

Pollyanna 
Oh, yes, I will ! Pll wear a string around my finger 
so I won't forget! 

Jimmy 
(Releases her.) Pollyanna — are you making fun 
of me? 

Pollyanna 
Oh, what difiference does it make, Jimmy_, what I*m 
doing so long as I love you and you love me? 

Jimmy 
But DO you, Pollyanna? 

Pollyanna 
Do I? Good gracious, Jimmy, how can you be a 
Sophomore at Harvard and be so stupid? 

Jimmy 
Then — then — if— if you do, Pollyanna, I — Pm going 
to kiss you. 

Pollyanna 
Are you? 

Jimmy 
May I? 

Pollyanna 
Why, certainly, if we're engaged — that's part of it! 

(Jimmy is about to kiss her but she stops the per- 
forniance.) 

Wait ! Are we engaged ? 



154 POLLY ANNA 

Jimmy 
Certainly we're engaged. Didn't you hear me? 

POLLYANNA 

All right then. {Offers her lips to he kissed — he 
kisses her.) There! Now we are engaged! 

Jimmy 
Thank you, Pollyanna. 

POLLYANNA 

Thank you! Oh, Jimmy! How glad I am I picked 
you up that day under the willow-tree. 

Jimmy 
Not half so glad as / am that I " was picked ! " 

(They laugh.) 

Think of it, Pollyanna! Think what I owe you! 
For YOU have given me all the happiness in life. Why 
— you EVEN gave me my — own — father! 

Pollyanna 
Yes — and your little brother and sister, Sodom and 
Gomorrah ! I gave you them, too ! 

(They laugh.) 

Jimmy 
Oh — won't Dad be glad when we tell him? 

Pollyanna 
You have taken the very words out of my life ; Jimmy, 
oh — won't he be glad, though? My BeauYiful King? 
At last — AT LAST I have an opportunity to make up to 
him in a measure his twenty-five years of sorrow ! 

Jimmy 
Twenty-five years of sorrow? Why! Whatever do 
you mean, Pollyanna? 



POLLYANNA 155 

POLLYANNA 

Why, Jimmy! Didn't he ever tell you our fairy-tale? 

Jimmy 
Fairy-tale. No — tell me ! 

POLLYANNA 

No — it is HIS story. He will tell you when the time 
comes. Let this be sufficient — that I feel it my mission 
in life to give him in sunshine what the lovely Princess 
caused him in sorrow! 

Jimmy 

(Wonderingly.) Lovely Princess? 

POLLYANNA 

(Continuing.) I have prayed to do something big for 
him — something really fine — Something tremendous! 
And maybe yet it will come — I hope in the form of a 
sacrifice ! That I may prove my sincerity ! 

Jimmy 
(Swayed by her nobility.) I, too, Pollyanna! 
When I think how he took me in — a ragged little urchin 
from the Orphanage without even a name — and cared 
for me and loved me, I, too, pray for a sacrifice to prove 
MY gratitude ! 

Pollyanna 
(Patting his cheek.) I love you for saying that, 
Jimmy — It's so manly ! Come we must go and tell 
him ! 

(Jimmy swells up with pompous pride. She snatches 
his hand as if to run along.) 

That's the sweetest part of it, isn't it dear? That 
we shall make him happy! 



156 POLLYANNA 

Jimmy 
Oh, Pollyanna, you are an ang^l ! Always thinking 
of another's happiness ! Why — you're even marrying 
ME to make Dad happy ! 

Pollyanna 

{Looking up roguishly.) And is Dad the only happy 
one in the family? 

Jimmy 

You — ^dear! {Draws her toward him for a second.) 
Think of it — loving me — marrying me — and yet you 
don't even know who my mother was, or if I ever had 
A father! 

Pollyanna 

{Smilingly.) And that's the best part of it! The 
MYSTERY ! It makes you so different from other boys ! 
And you know how I always loved different folks ! 
Promise me, Jimmy — {Places hands on his arms and 
looks up in his face.) that you won't try to dig up some 
creepy, crawly, crumbly, blue-blooded old ancestor! 
You won't need them, for I assure you — from Aunt 
Polly's talk / have quite enough for us both! {Holds 
up hands and rolls eyes as if the daily tirade had wearied 
her.) 

Jimmy 

But, my dear — wouldn't you feel more comfortable 
if you knew my grandfather was a — a Senator or — or 
a Governor or something instead of a — a — say a crim- 
inal ! 

Pollyanna 

Not a bit of it ! I'd feel worse if anything ! I'm 
marrying you — not your grandfather ! 

Jimmy 
Yes, but Pollyanna — think of marrying a nameless 
waif out of an Orphanage? 

Pollyanna 
{Whirling about and inquiring sharply.) See here, 
Jimmy Pendleton — are you trying to back out of your 
proposal ? 



POLLYANNA 157 

Jimmy 

No, POLLYANNA— »rm TRYING TO MAKE YOU Say SOME- 
THING, AND YOU won't SAY IT ! 

Polly ANN A 
No, and I never will say it if it's pow-wowing to 
ancestors ! We are what we are — and that's the end of 
it! And, besides — please bear in mind — if you were 
found in an Orphanage, / was reared in a mission ! I 
never had a carpet on the floor, nor pictures on the wall, 
nor curtains at the window, nor a cup and saucer that 
matched, nor shoes the right size in my life till I came 
to Aunt Polly's ! So if you're going to rake up your 
PAST — mine, if you'll notice, will bear very rigorous 
investigation ! 

Jimmy 
Oh, Pollyanna, why didn't you tell me you felt that 
way about it? Then I wouldn't have had father look 
me up ! 

Pollyanna 
{Astonished.) Look — you — up? 

(Jimmy looks sheepish.) 

Jimmy Pendleton — you don't mean to tell me 
you've gone and turned out an aristocrat? 

Jimmy 
{Very sheepishly.) I — Pm sorry, Pollyanna — 

Pollyanna 

{Then tearfully.) Oh, Jimmy — how could you? Now 
all the mystery's gone ! You're just like other boys now 
— with regular parents! And just when I thought I 
was going to get away from ancestor talk with Aunt 
Polly — along you come with a new line of signers of 
the "Declaration of Independence!" {Clenches fists 
and stamps foot.) Oh! Sometimes I almost wish that 
old Mayflower had struck the rocks, so I do! 



158 POLLYANNA 

Jimmy 
(Brightly.) But you're wrong, dear! My family 
didn't sign the Declaration ! Nor come over in the 
Mayflower — 

POLLYANNA 

(Brightly — hopefully.) Are you sure? 

Jimmy 
Positive ! 

Pollyanna 
Well — at least I can '' be glad for that ! " 

Jimmy 
(Pompously.) No, indeed! My people date away 
back to the Crusaders — They turn their noses up at you 
Puritans ! 

Pollyanna 
(None too well pleased at this snobbishness.) Oh, 
they do, do they? Then maybe your haughty family 
will object to the scion of their noble house marrying 
beneath him ! 

Jimmy 
Beneath him? Beneath me? You? Why, Pollyanna 
— you are as far above me and them as the sky is above 
the earth! And Pd rather have you, little GLAD-girl, 
than a whole cemetery full of ancestors ! 

Pollyanna 
Are you sure, Jimmy? 

Jimmy 
Sure as death, Pollyanna! (Crosses his heart.) 

Pollyanna 
Then kiss me, dear — for that is true love! (Offers 
cheek — he kisses it.) 
Thank 3^ou, Jimmy. 

Jimmy 
Thank you, Pollyanna ! 



POLLYANNA 159 

POLLYANNA 

(Pouting a little,) But why, oh, why did you clear 
up the mystery? 

Jimmy 
Hoping to please you, PoUyanna ! 

PoLLYANNA 

But / was pleased without it ! 

Jimmy 
Yes — -but how could I read your mind five thousand 
miles away ? Just as you tried to make me " glad " by 
being cured, so do / try to make you " glad " by being 
somebody! But we were both working in the dark! 

POLLYANNA 

(Sadly.) — Yes — what a pity! 

Jimmy 
Isn't it ? Oh, well — we can live it down in time. And 
if you will try to forgive me for being well-born / shall 
forgive you for getting well. Is it a bargain ? 

POLLYANNA 

Yes, Jimmie — if you will solemnly promise never to 

boast THAT YOUR OLD GRANDMOTHER DANCED WITH 

Lafayette ! 

Jimmy 
I promise ! (Holds up hand — then proceeds to break 
the promise.) She did, tho', but nevertheless, I promise ! 

Pollyanna 

You — bad — boy! (Gives him playful little push — but 
he draws her to him with both arms.) 

Jimmy 
Oh, Pollyanna, we have much to forgive, haven't we? 

Pollyanna 
So much ! (Sighs.) 



i6o POLLYANNA 

Jimmy 
But we'll forget everything and go back to where we 
started that day you found me under the willow-tree, 
WITHOUT ancestors and things ! 

POLLYANNA 

(Szueetly — hands at each side of his face) — My — little 
Orphanage — boy! (Kisses his cheek.) 

Jimmy 
(Sweetly. Hands at each side of her face.) My — little 
— mission-girl. (Kisses her cheek.) 

Polly ANN A 
There ! Now the next thing is for me to name the 
day! 

Jimmy 
Oh, yes, WHEN? Twenty-one's a nice age to get 
married, I think. 

POLLYANNA 

TwENTY-ONE ? We may not be living at twenty-one ! 

Jimmy 
Yes, but you see we're not oi age till then, Pollyanna, 
and a fellow hates to have a lot of fathers and uncles and 
things getting the license and everything, and laughing 
at him ! It looks so blamed young ! 

Pollyanna 
Pooh ! Who cares ? 

Jimmy 
No, not GIRLS ! But you just ask the fellows. They'll 
tell you ! 

Pollyanna 
Silly ! Why — out in China and India they get married 
at ten and twelve. 

Jimmy 
Yes, but I'll bet their fathers don't have to get their 
license ! 



POLLY ANNA i6i 

POLLYANNA 

My goodness ! It does seem to me you're giving more 
thought to that old license than you are to me ! 

Jimmy 
Oh, no, Pollyanna. You're the only girl in the world 
I love or ever have loved! 

Pollyanna 
Are you sure, Jimmy ? 

Jimmy 
Honor bright! Lswear ! (Then sweetly.) And — after 
all, I — I don't want to wait. Let's compromise on nine- 
teen ! That's bully and old ! 

Pollyanna 
Good ! Nineteen ! Now that's settled ! And now, 
dear, you must propose to Aunt Polly for my hand — 
{/i'ghast.) Propose to your Aunt Polly? Oh, Polly- 
anna 

Pollyanna 
{Dancing hack and away from him, and shoving her 
■finger at him — laughingly.) Coward! Coward! You 
the president of your class — The great football terror of 
opposing teams — B-r-r ! A — h, so this is my hero, is it ? 
And afraid of a woman ! 

Jimmy 
(Boyishly.) Yes — but — but — but you don't know 
your Aunt Polly ! 

Pollyanna 

Oh, yes, I do! It is you who don't know her! The 
old Aunt Polly has gone, and there's a lovely new one 
in her place. She's no longer the sour lady, but the 
sweet lady. So don't be afraid, Jimmy! Spring the 
ANCESTORS first, and you'll find it easy sailing! (Snatches 
up her aimy scarf and darts toward zvindow, U. C.) 



i62 POLLYANNA 

Jimmy 
Please don't go, Pollyanna! {Follows her.) 

PoLLYANNA 

I must ! I want to see a man. 

Jimmy 
{Jealousy.) What man? 

Pollyanna 
{Roguishly.) The man-in-the-moon, you Goose! 
Ha — ha — ha — ! {Laughs and leaps out the window.) 

Jimmy 

{Nervously.) But — but, Pollyanna 

{Pushes toward her, arms out.) 

(Pollyanna turns in window and looks at him.) 

Pollyanna 
Yes, here? 

Jimmy 
Wry — why couldn't I write your aunt? 

Pollyanna 

{Scornfully.) Humph ! Your crusading ancestors 
must have been brave men, indeed ! You wouldn't find 
a Puritan showing the white feather ! Now rehearse 
your speech, Mr. Aristocrat, Aunt Polly will be here 
— forthwith ! {And with a ripple of laughter, exits.) 

Jimmy 

But, Pollyanna {Runs to window and looks out, 

hut sees her nowhere, sighs then turns down again, C. 

Stops then rehearses speech.) Er — My — my great- 

greaTt-grand father {Coughs and squirms, and takes 

new tack.) Er 

{Enter Pendleton, L. — softly stares at hoy.) 



POLLYANNA 163 

I mean — (Bows low.) How do you do, Miss Harring- 
ton — I MEAN, Mrs. Chilton 



Pendleton 
Great Scott, Jimmy! 

Jimmy 
Oh! (Straightens up as if shot — stumbles hack hash- 
fully, facing his father.) 

Pendleton 
What's come over you? (Comes toward hoy, peering 
at his hlusking face.) Has the return of Pollyanna and 
her two feet knocked you silly? (Then pointing to spot 
at which he was hozmng and addressing.) Mrs. Chilton 
is not THERE — but there. (Nozv points toward door, L.) 
Listening to the foolish prattle of her imbecile lord ! 

Jimmy 
Yes — I — I know Dad, but — but I was only rehearsing 
my proposal of marriage to her 

Pendleton 
Proposal of marriage? To Mrs. Chilton? Good 
heavens ! She's got one lunatic husband, already ! 

Jimmy 
(Bashfully.) Oh, I mean proposing for Pollyanna's 
hand, of course! (Then happily.) And, oh. Dad, she's 
forgiven me my ancestry and Pve forgiven her for 
getting WELL — Isn't it perfectly splendid ? 

Pendleton 
(Stares at the stuttering youth.) Forgiven you what? 
I declare — you are touched ! Here — let me feel your 
pulse ! (Feels his pulse.) I'll have that mooing M. D. 
prescribe for you as soon as I think he's in a fit mental 
condition, himself! 



i64 POLLYANNA 

Jimmy 
(Bashfully.) Oh, Dad — ^please stop ragging! This — 
it is a very embarrassing moment in a boy's Hfe I'll have 
you know. 

Pendleton 
(Compassionately — Hit half smiling.) I know it, son 
— I've been thro' it! 

Jimmy 
Have you. Dad? Then please tell me what to say. 
What did you say? 

Pendleton 
(Soberly.) I don't remember. It's been so long ago. 
But THIS I do remember, whatever I said, I didn't get 
the right answer, so I advise you to use fresh copy! 
(Appears saddened at the memory.) 

Jimmy 
(Noticing the sad look in his father's face.) .v'hy, 
Dad ! I didn't know ! 

Pendleton 

I knozi^ you didn't, dear. But come now — what's all 
the excitement about you and Pollyanna? And why 
does Mrs. Chilton seem to> receive consideration and 
never a " By your leave " to your devoted old father ? 

But I never thought to ask you. Dad — for I knew you'd 
be glad. Aren't you? 



Pendleton 
Glad? Of course I'm glad, son. I'm glad of any- 
thing that will mean happiness to you and our little 
Rainbow-girl ! And if love is in your heart and hers — 
when the time comes to mate I will be the first ome to 
s^y — (Raises hands over his head) — ''Bless you — my 
children !" 

Jimmy 
Thank you, Dad. (Grasps his hand.) 



POLLYANNA 165 

Pendleton 
And now, my boy, leave me alone for a few moments 
if you will — I — I wish to speak with "my beloved !" 

Jimmy 
Your " beloved ? " Why, Dad 

Pendleton 
(Smiling.) Yes^ — didn't you know your old Dad had 
a sweetheart, did you, son? (Laughs a little mirthless 
laugh.) Oh, my, yes! Now be off! Go to your little 
Prism girl and later, I will give you both my blessing! 

Jimmy | 

(Soberly.) Y — yes, father! (Starts swiftly L. — sud- 
denly turns head and -finds his father gazing after him 
zuith a peculiar expression of love. No word is ex- 
changed. But Pendleton smiles and the hoy smiles hack, 
then exits without glancing hack. Exit L., closing door.) 

Pendleton 
(Touches hutton at his side — panel recedes, disclosing 
picture! The costume of Charity in portrait and Polly- 
anna's own, tonight, are practically identical, making the 
resemhlance startling.) (With great 'feeling.) Oh, 
Charity — ^Charity — (He holds out his hand to the 
portrait.) Tho' you and I were denied the consumation 
of our beautiful love, yet the fruition of our dreams has 
come about in our children ! (With great feeling.) But 
oh, my darling — I have never missed you so much — so 
bitterly, as tonight, on this, the anniversary "of our be- 
trothal ! Tom and Polly have made up their differences — 
and the little ones are happy in their love, only / 

remain (Door L. silently opens and Jimmy enters 

softly, hut pausing on the threshold as he sees his father 
kneeling before the portrait of (as he believes) his Polly- 
anna. He is appalled for the moment hut cannot move. 
The next speech causes him to believe that Pendleton 
is in love with his fiance!) heart-hungry — desolate — 
alone! (Covers his face with his hands. Jimmy pan- 
tomines the grief and shock this "awakening'' has caused 



i66 POLLYANNA 

him. Pendleton raises his hands inuploringly to portrait 
and cries out.) Oh, my darling — come back to me — if 
ONLY — IN — MY — DREAMS ! Come back ! Come back ! 
{Then, shaking with dry sobs — covers face and bows 
head.) 

(Jimmy is sickened with the awful realisation that 
his father is in love with his own sweetheart. Turns 
and softly exits, closing door behind him. A door 
is heard to close, oif, and this causes him to look up, 
then rise, and touch the bottom that may conceal 
the portrait — as if it were too sacred for the eyes of 
any one but him. Then slowly exits thro' door, 
U. C.) 

(The instant he exits, Jimmy is seen to cautiously open 
door, L.—-m.ake sure that his father has gone — then, 
softly, silently, dash, U. R., and stare in vain at the 
panels where only a second before he could szi^ear 
he had seen a portrait of — as he believes — Polly- 
anna ! But the picture is not there — and he turns, 
half-distracted, away.) 

{Suddenly — enter Pollyanna from the porch thro' the 
o\pen window — very swiftly, silently and 



cautiously.) 

Jimmy ! 
{Startled.) Sh! 



Pollyanna 
Jimmy 



Pollyanna 
{Comes quickly to him.) Tell me — what did Aunt 
Polly say? 

Jimmy 
I haven't seen her ! 

Pollyanna 
{A'stonished at his tragic air.) Why, Jimmy! What 
is it? What's happened? 



POLLYANNA 167 

Jimmy 
(Tragically.) It's come, Pollyanna — the sacrifice! 

POLLYANNA 

Sacrifice? What sacrifice? 



Jimmy 
That we wanted to make to prove our gratitude- 



POLLYANNA 

You mean to our Beautiful King? 

Jimmy 
Yes — and it's the greatest sacrifice in the world — 
love! 

Pollyanna 

( Wonderingly. ) Love ? 

Jimmy 
Yes — and each other! I'm to give you up — you're 
to give up me 

Pollyanna 
But WHY ? What's the reason ? Because what ? 

Jimmy 
Because — because^ — Oh, Pollyanna, because he's in 
love with you, himself! 

Pollyanna 
In love with me? Your father? What are you talk- 
ing about? 

Jimmy 'li- 

lt's true ! I heard him ? And I sazv him ! 

Pollyanna 
Saw WHAT? Heard him say what? 



i68 POLLYANNA 

Jimmy 

Saw him worshipping your portrait! Heard him call 
you his darling ! And crying out that you were lost to 
him — and begging you to come back ! 

POLLYANNA 

Oh, noi, no, no ! It can't be ! 

Jimmy 
He's had your picture done 



POLLYANNA 

No, I had it done, myself, and gave it to him ! (She 
refers to the minature. He refers to the portrait.) Oh, 
how terrible ! How awful ! I don't want him to- love 
me that way ! It's you I want, Jimmy — only you, and 
it will be terrible to marry any one else ! 

Jimmy 
And it will kill me to have you ! I couldn't stand 
it ! I'd have to go away and never see you again ! (Then 
a hope.) But — but perhaps — when he realizes our great 
love, he will help us and 

POLLYANNA 

No, — Jimmy, that's just it! He must never know 
how much we care! I knozv him! He is a saint! A 
martyr! He would even deny his love for me rather 
than make us miserable ! So, if it's to be that way, 
then it must be that way! I must give you- up — you 
must never think of me! We owe it to him — I, espe- 
cially ! For eveiy night I pray that I may make up to 
him in happiness what the Princess has caused him in 
sorrow — and now that the way has been pointed out, I 
must not be weak! 

Jimmy 

But, Pollyanna, maybe after all 

Pollyanna 
No, Jimmy — ^there must be no " after alls ! " (Gives 
him her hand.) Goodbye, Jimmy dear! (Bursts into 
tears, puts face in arms.) 



POLLYANNA 169 

Jimmy 
Goodbye, Pollyanna ! (Bursts into tears, puts face in 
arms. An outer door heard to close, oif U. C. Both 
look up — they separate.) Father! Shall we tell him 
now? 

Pollyanna 

No — just — just go! go! (Door opens, U. C. Enter 
Pendleton — stops on seeing children atC. Pollyanna 
raises voice and puts out hand. Tearfully.) Vm. sorry, 
Jimmy, but it can never be. Goodbye — and — and try — 
to— be— GLAD ! 

Jimmy 
G — good — b — bye ! (Jimmy seizes her hand and darts 
savagely toward door, L., and exits.) 

Pendleton ^ 
(Astonished.) Pollyanna! What does this mean? 
You're not refusing Jimmy? You're not sending my 
boy away? (Pollyanna nods head, bobbing it repeat- 
edly.) Why, child — (Comes to her, and lifts her chin 
zvith his hand and gazes into her tearful face.) Look at 
me, Pollyanna — (He speaks very tenderly now.) What 
is it, little Memory-Eyesi ? Tell your adoring old King 
what the rift is, within the lute? What it is that is dis- 
turbing the peace of my beloved children? (Caresses 
her.) 

Pollyanna 
(Explosively.) Oh, Beautiful King, I do so want to 
make you happy! I want to make up to you in joy the 
years my angel-mother caused you in sorrow ! 

Pendleton 
Good ! Then the happiest you can make me is to make 
my BOY happy ! Why have you sent him away, little 
girl? Why have you refused to marry him? 

Pollyanna 
Be — ^be — (Then explosively.) Because I intend to 
MARRY you. Beautiful King! 



170 POLLYANNA 

Pendleton 
{Staggered.) M-m-m-marry me? {Stumbles hack a 
hit. PoLLYANNA hohs head wp and down for " Y es!') 
You — you — you want to marry me? 

POLLYANNA 

Oh, I DO ! I DO ! Oh, I KNOW / am not so beautiful 
as our lovely Princess — nor so good — nor so worthy of 
your man's love — but, Oh, I shall try to grow — like her. 
Beautiful King, and I know I shall be able to make 
YOU GLAD I 

Pendleton 
{Sweetly.) Oh — no douht — me! But how about you? 
Will you be happy as my wife, little Prism-girl ? Will 

MY LITTLE MemORY-EyES BE GLAD? 



POLLYANNA 

{Unwilling to tell a direct falsehood.) How can you 
ask it? How can you doubt it? Oh, Beautiful King, 
PLEASE — please will you marry me? {Bursts into tears.) 

Pendleton 
{Caressing her.) My dear — you're tired — you're un- 
strung — come now, let's go to Jimmy — {Touches hutton.) 

POLLYANNA 

{Explosively.) No! I don't want to see him! I 
can't BEAR it ! Please don't ask me tO' see him. Beautiful 
King — please ! 

Pendleton 

Then wait on the porch while / — er — ah — consider — er 
— your — er — proposition ! You you've taken me by sur- 
prise, Pollyanna — this — er — is — er — so sudden, as it 
were! Suppose you step out on the piazza for a mo- 
ment while I think it over. {Places scarf about her 
shoulders.) There now^ — dry your eyes, little Prism-girl. 
Love should bring smiles, not tears ! 

{Exit Pollyanna swiftly thro' window.) 



POLLYANNA 171 

(Pendleton closes shutters, then strides to door, L., 
and calls.) Polly — Tom — Jimmy — (Strides back nerv- 
ously, C.) 

{Enter Polly and Chilton.) 

Polly 
{Excited manner.) What is it? 

Chilton 
Yes, for heaven's sake, Jack — what's the excitement? 

Pendleton 
Matter ? Everything's the matter ! Why didn't you 
tell me how things were drifting? Why in the name of 
heaven did you permit that child to misinterpret my in- 
terest in her ? My God ! It's awful ! It's terrible ! Eat- 
ing her heart out, poor little thing, when a word from 
either of you, in time, would have set her right and save 
all this tragedy! {Runs Ungers thro' hair and strides 
about, in panicky manner.) 

Polly 
Why, Jack Pendleton ! 

Chilton 
What the deuce are you raving about, old man? 

Pendleton 
. Raving about? Great Halifax! Don't you know that 
baby is in love with me ? me ? me ? 

I 
Polly 
Nonsense ! 

Chilton 
Impossible ! 

Pendleton 
She is, I tell you! She just now told me so and has 
asked me to marry her ! 



172 POLLYANNA 

Polly 
(Aghast.) Asked you to marry her? Oh, Tom! 
(Turns and stares at her husband.) 

Chilton 
(Placing arm about her.) She proposed? To you? 
Oh, my God ! 

(Enter Jimmy, L., having heard the conversation and 
resenting the inference that Pollyanna is the 
- ''huntress.") 

Pendleton 
Jimmy — didn't you just tell me that Pollyanna was 
going to marry you ? 

Jimmy 
Yes, father ! 

Pendleton 
Then what does she mean by giving your conge twenty 
minutes later ? 

Jimmy 
You know, sir? 

Pendleton 
/ know ? What do you mean ? 

Jimmy 
Tmean that it isn't fair to make out that Pollyanna is 
trying to marry you against your wishes — for you know 
you. love her ! 

Chilton 
Ah-ha! 

Pendleton 
Love her? Of course I love her! I adore her — wor- 
ship her, but how can you believe, or any other person 
believe, any other affection possible between a child of 
seventeen and me? 

Jimmy 
Oh, you can't fool me ! I know you love her ! You're 
only trying to make things easy for me ! I saw you — I 
heard you 



POLLYANNA 173 

Pendleton 
Saw me? Heard me? Saw what? Heard what? 



Jimmy 
I saw you kneeling before her picture and calling her 
" darling," and crying out that was lost to you forever, 
and begging her to come back ! . 

Chilton 
Are you leading a dual life, old man? 

Pendleton 
(Pointing to panel over portrait.) You saw me there 
— and then told Pollyanna — (Jimmy nods ''yes!') And 
believing that I cared for her, you and she agreed to make 
this sacrifice for me? (Jimmy doesn't answer — Pendle- 
ton places hands on boy's two shoulders and peers into 
his face.) Oh, Jimmy boy, those Crusading ancestors of 
yours have, indeed, not lived in vain since they have 
given to the world such Spartan blood as flows in your 
soldier's veins ! And I'm glad this mistake happened, for 
now I know the stuff my boy and girl are made of ! 

Jimmy 
Mistake, father? (Now looks up.) 

Pendleton 
Yes, Son — a very great mistake ! That wasn't Polly- 
anna's picture before which I knelt, and it wasn't Polly- 
anna I begged to come back! It was the sweetheart of 
my youth — the girl I loved and lost — the lovely Prin- 
cess 

Jimmy 
(Recalling the words.) Lovely Princess? Why, 
that was the name 

Pendleton 
(Continuing.) Of a fairy-tale! 



174 POLLYANNA 

Jimmy 
(Softly.) Fairy-tale? Oh! I — mind— now — (Now 
a smile coming over his face as the mist begins to rise.) 

Pendleton 
Tell him, Polly — Tom 

Polly 

It was MY SISTER- ' . ' 

Jimmy 
Your sister? 

Chilton 
Yes— Polly anna's mother 

Jimmy 

(Aghast.) Pollyanna's mother? (Then happily — 

looking up into Pendleton's face.) Oh, Dad — I — I — 
didn't understand! 

Pendleton 
(Embracing the boy.) Of course not. Son! (Then 
brightly.) Now run along, seventeen — and send Polly- 
anna in for her answer ! (Points out window.) 

Jimmy 
(Starting toward window — turns.) Oh, Dad, you've 
made me so happy ! 

Pendleton 
Not half so happy as you've made me, my son ! Now 
sprint before any further complications set in ! 

Jimmy 
I will, Dad ! (Laughingly dashes off thro' windozv. 
Calling. ) Pollyanna — ( Then, o ff, less distinctly. ) Polly- 

anna 

(Pendleton, Polly and Chilton look at one another 
for a moment, then burst into laughter.) 



POLLYANNA 175 

Chilton 



Sweet seventeen- 



Pendleton 

Yes — tender, tragic " seventeen ! " (Sighs.) 

(Enter Pollyanna in window. Pauses.) 

POLLYANNA 

You sent for me, Beautiful King? 

Pendleton 
Yes, little Memory-Eyes ! (Holds out his two hands.) 

(She extends hers and comes to him, clasping his 
hands.) 

Polly 
Pollyanna — what is this I hear — do you make a prac- 
tice of going about offering your hand and heart to gen- 
tlemen ? 

Pollyanna 
(Embarrassed.) Why, Aunt Polly! 

Chilton 
Yes — for shame, niece! 

Pollyanna 
Oh, Uncle Tom ! (Then to Pendleton.) Jimmy says 
it's all right, Beautiful King, but he didn't explain ! 
Please tell me ? 

Pendleton 
It's this, little Prism-girl. I want to say that I have 
given your proposition due consideration, and, tho' I am 
indeed honored to receive a proposal of marriage from 
so beautiful and charming a young lady, yet I am forced 
to decline, because — tho' you are dearer to me than all 
the world, years ago I gave my heart to a lovely girl in 



176 POLLYANNA 

my early youth, and in my case there can be but one 

GREAT LOVE ! 

(Chilton touches the button — and panel slowly slides 
revealing the portrait.) 

Come — I will show you the holder of my faithful old 
heart. We will tell her our sorrows and our joys — of 
the noble sacrifice her little Memory-Eyes has offered to 
fulfill her mission, and I know that her angel-heart will 
rejoice that her prayer has been answered — and her sor- 
rowing King made GLAD ! 

{They gaze at the portrait a second in silence — Jimmy 
then appears silently in window — Pollyanna 
beckons to him.) 

Pollyanna 
(Softly.) My Mother ! Come— (To Jimmy.) 

(Jimmy goes swiftly and silently to her side and takes 
the extended hand.) 

See, mother dear? {Holds up her two hands, one clasp- 
ing that of Pendleton — the other clasping that of 
Jimmy.) Smile up and be glad — for at last — at last 
there is a happy ending to your fairy-tale ! 

(Chilton embraces Polly.) 



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